White Paper
UAS Strategies for Texas First Responders
Since 2017, Texas has experienced more than 20 natural disasters which have received federal disaster declarations. These disasters continue to increase and intensify each year. Extreme heat conditions have elevated the risk of wildfires. In 2022, more than 370 individual fires occurred throughout Texas, burning 210,000 acres. Flood events have also increased—from major hurricanes, such as hurricanes Laura (2020) and Harvey (2017), to flash flooding events that cause loss of life and property. Winter storm events have also brought about new concerns for Texas first responders; more than 200 people died in 2021 winter storm Uri. Vehicle crashes, for example, increase with icy road and bridge conditions, and critical assets such as power plants require monitoring. To improve response times and situational awareness, first responders are turning to UAS technologies that can assist with emergency response. C. Michael Walton, PhD, PE pioneered research at the intersection of engineering, technology, and policy. To continue his legacy, the Walton Fellowship is awarded to one student each year to prepare future mobility leaders who will contribute to the field of smart cities.
Since 2017, Texas has experienced more than 20 natural disasters which have received federal disaster declarations. These disasters continue to increase and intensify each year. Extreme heat conditions have elevated the risk of wildfires. In 2022, more than 370 individual fires occurred throughout Texas, burning 210,000 acres. Flood events have also increased—from major hurricanes, such as hurricanes Laura (2020) and Harvey (2017), to flash flooding events that cause loss of life and property. Winter storm events have also brought about new concerns for Texas first responders; more than 200 people died in 2021 winter storm Uri. Vehicle crashes, for example, increase with icy road and bridge conditions, and critical assets such as power plants require monitoring. To improve response times and situational awareness, first responders are turning to UAS technologies that can assist with emergency response.
C. Michael Walton, PhD, PE pioneered research at the intersection of engineering, technology, and policy. To continue his legacy, the Walton Fellowship is awarded to one student each year to prepare future mobility leaders who will contribute to the field of smart cities.
