Emerging Tech

DHS Wants to Know What the Public Thinks About Using Drones During Emergencies

A forthcoming survey will ask people about their knowledge of unmanned aerial systems and how they are used, and their opinions on the ethical implications.

Emerging Tech

Federal Researchers Create 'Second Skin' to Shield Against Biological Threats

The material shields wearers from chemical and biological agents and could pave the way to smart uniforms for troops and first responders.

Emerging Tech

Above-Average Hurricane Season Could Further Challenge Government's Pandemic Response

Technology may be key in ensuring the government responds to disasters on multiple fronts, a retired U.S. Army General said.

Ideas

How Companies, Governments and People Rise to the Conoravirus Challenge

Here are some good examples, both big and small, that make the world a little brighter while we combat coronavirus.

Emerging Tech

Senate Advances Legislation to Preserve T-Band Spectrum for Emergency Personnel

Experts agree that Congress must reverse a rule to protect the crucial band set aside specifically for first responders in dense cities.

Emerging Tech

DARPA Wants Smart Suits to Protect Against Biological Attacks

A new program aims to usher in a modern military ensemble that can provide 100% survival against lethal exposure from multiple chemical and biological agents.

Cybersecurity

Ohio Establishes ‘Cyber Reserve’ to Combat Ransomware

The civilian unit of the National Guard will be on call to assist local governments that come under cyberattack.

Emerging Tech

Device Offers a Way to Communicate During Disasters

A new tool called “Panacea’s Cloud” could give first responders a way to communicate during a natural or human-made disaster when devices such as cell phones may not work.

Digital Government

NIST Wants Help Investigating Deaths Caused by Hurricane Maria

The agency is specifically interested in how building failures contributed to the fatalities.

Modernization

Facebook Expands Tool That Lets Local Governments Send Alerts

The system will offer authorities a way to send targeted notifications about emergencies and other issues to residents.

Modernization

CISA Awards GDIT a $325 Million Emergency Communications Contract

Under the contract, the company will support the systems federal leaders and others use to coordinate responses to during natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other crises.

Emerging Tech

DARPA Wants Tools to Reimagine Underground Worlds in 3D

The agency is looking for commercial tech to map subterranean environments.

Emerging Tech

Virtual Reality Could Make Disaster Response Training More Effective

In early tests of its augmented reality training software, a Texas-based startup made first responders perform faster and more accurately.

Policy

A Message to FEMA: Respond to Disasters Differently

Providing money to states faster after disasters, and offering funds before they strike, would make communities safer, governors said.

Digital Government

Next-Gen Weather Satellite Operational Over Western U.S.

GOES-17 is operational and monitoring weather in the Pacific and western United States.