AI Reshapes Crisis Management: A New Era of Preparedness
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of crisis management, offering new tools to enhance preparedness and response across various sectors. From government agencies to private organizations, AI is proving to be a valuable asset in anticipating, mitigating, and managing critical incidents.
“I’ve seen firsthand how AI is reshaping our field by enhancing speed, situational awareness, and decision-making,” explained Emily Martuscello, emergency management director for Nashua, New Hampshire.
Providing a Clearer Operational Picture
AI-driven platforms are adept at processing real-time data from diverse sources, providing emergency responders with a clearer operational picture.
Martuscello noted that AI’s capability provides responders with better situational awareness and decision-making. For instance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Next Generation Fire System leverages AI to detect and assess wildfires using satellite imagery.
Pre-Positioning Resources and Improving Planning
AI models are increasingly used to forecast extreme weather events, wildfires, and other hazards. This allows agencies to pre-position resources and refine evacuation plans, cutting down on emergency planning timelines and giving responders more time to engage with communities.
Data analysis by AI has already significantly shortened emergency planning timelines, a critical gain that provides responders with increased opportunities to engage with communities and prepare for worst-case scenarios, according to Martuscello.
AI Smoke Detection and Enhanced Situational Awareness
In 2023, Cal Fire integrated AI and smoke detection into the 1,114 cameras deployed across high-elevation areas within California, such as mountain peaks and hilltops.
Marcus Hernandez, deputy chief in Cal Fire’s Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, highlighted the benefit of improved situational awareness. The extensive camera network, coupled with AI-powered smoke detection, enhances efficiency, allowing the cameras to cover great distances. These cameras can often see up to 60 miles, and up to 120 miles at night, which improves the awareness of a crisis situation.
Revolutionizing Training through AI Simulations
AI-powered roleplay simulations are also transforming how teams prepare for crises. These simulations replicate real-world scenarios, providing a low-risk environment for responders to practice decision-making, communication, and emotional regulation.
Samuel Dorison, CEO and cofounder of ReflexAI, explained that these simulations build the confidence and resilience needed to navigate complex situations while maintaining empathy and composure.
Expanding Capabilities Through Scalability
One key advantage of AI is its scalability. Crisis hotlines and emergency response teams often face resource constraints, making consistent, hands-on training challenging.
According to Dorison, AI-powered simulations allow for anytime, anywhere practice to refine critical skills like crisis communication.
The Potential of AI in Emergency Response
Randal A. Collins, president of the Incident Management Teams Association, believes the potential of AI in emergency response is undeniable. AI is already improving early warning systems for wildfires, severe weather, and seismic activity, helping managers predict and respond to incidents more effectively.
AI’s capacity to analyze data provides crucial lead time for evacuations, resource allocation, and public alerts, ultimately lessening the extent of devastation and saving lives.
Tactical Responses and the Integration of Technology
AI is also revolutionizing tactical response by integrating with drones, robotic systems, real-time camera networks, and resource-tracking tools. These technologies enhance safety and operational efficiency in high-risk operations.
By reducing human exposure to danger, AI-enabled tools improve responder safety and the efficacy of operations, Collins noted.
Augmenting Human Expertise: A Partnership
Matthew Celestial, president and CEO of Statement Strategies, emphasized that AI should be seen as an extension of resources, rather than a replacement for human expertise.
Martuscello of Nashua, New Hampshire, agreed, stating that AI is ‘augmenting our ability to lead’ and that the future of emergency response lies in Joint Cognitive Systems, where humans and AI work together to enhance crisis decision-making.
Addressing the Hurdles to Adoption
Despite its potential, the adoption of AI in public safety faces challenges. Risk-aversion slows the integration of AI-driven decision-making tools if it is too quick.
Collins of the Incident Management Teams Association warned that public safety agencies cannot afford errors caused by AI failures.
Clifford Oliver, a former FEMA assistant administrator and now the principal at Nanticoke Global Strategies, cautioned that evaluation of AI use in emergency management has identified concerns with output accuracy which lack validation mechanisms. Oliver predicted these issues can negatively impact emergency response decision-making.
The Path Forward: Careful Implementation
Collins stated that the next frontier encompasses developments such as AI-powered unmanned fire suppression systems, autonomous rescue robots, and intelligent decision-support tools that analyze real-time data to optimize disaster response.
Careful implementation is key. AI will continue to refine how first responders mitigate, manage, and adapt to disasters.
