A major technology company recently teamed up with central North Carolina law enforcement officers to showcase new technology aimed at keeping the public safe during hurricane season. The James Hunt horse complex, located across from Carter-Finley Stadium, was filled with a variety of technology and tools during the demonstration.
Verizon’s Senior Director of Network, Ken Flowers, explained that their large red camper can be deployed quickly in emergency situations like locating a lost hiker in the woods. This technology is crucial for providing connectivity during storms and other major events to help first responders do their jobs more effectively. Verizon’s mobile units are also utilized at events like Dreamville at Dix Park and the 4th of July celebration to boost cell signal. However, their importance is magnified during natural disasters when reliable communication is essential.
Duke Energy highlighted the importance of smart, self-healing technology that can reduce outage impacts by up to 75% and restore power in less than a minute. The company aims to expand this technology to cover 80% of customers in the coming years. Sergeant Marcus Bethea of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol emphasized the critical role of technology in emergency response, citing Hurricane Florence as an example where advanced communication tools were vital. Duke Energy also relies on technology to shorten outage times and restore service quicker after major storms.
While technology is not a replacement for skilled workers, it enhances their capabilities and helps them better serve their customers during challenging situations like severe weather events. It is clear that partnerships like this one between tech companies and law enforcement agencies are vital in ensuring that communities are prepared for emergencies and that first responders have access to the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.
