Modernization

Microsoft Introduces Cloud Offerings for Where Networks Aren’t

The company's offerings are to support disaster response and military efforts in remote or network-deprived locations.

Emerging Tech

How States Responded to the Loss of 911 and Other Services

CenturyLink’s recent outage is being investigated by at least two states, in addition to the FCC.

Emerging Tech

CDC Wants to Use Blockchain to Get People to Crisis Zones Faster

The tech would pull data from across the agency and automatically identify the right people for certain emergencies.

Digital Government

Mutual Aid Agreements Bring First Responders, Utility Crews to Hurricane Zone

With conditions worsen in the Carolinas, rescue personnel and power crews are ready to respond when it's safe to do so.

Ideas

Why Government Gamification Still Matters

Gamification is becoming increasingly important in civilian and defense matters.

Emerging Tech

DHS Gives ‘Power Suit’ a Whole New Meaning

The agency wants first responders’ clothing to be able to generate and store electricity.

Emerging Tech

Pilot-Optional Helicopters Could Be the Future of Fighting Wildfires

The Interior Department’s been working on a plan to expand its aerial firefighting efforts from daylight-only to a 24-hour cycle.

Digital Government

Cloud-Based Mapping Could Play a Bigger Role in Disaster Response This Hurricane Season

Localities are using maps to visualize hazards, process damage imagery and crowdsource flood information.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS Teams Up With Canadian Counterpart to Test First Responder Tech

Among the first technologies to be tested is an application that uses artificial intelligence to help paramedics make better decisions when treating patients.

Emerging Tech

Interior is Using Drones to Save People Trapped by Hot Lava

They’ve also been faster and safer than putting boots on the ground, a department official said.

Emerging Tech

A New Way Drone Hobbyists Are Endangering First Responders

Amateurs flying unmanned aerial vehicles have previously grounded firefighting aircraft. Now, their devices are actually sparking wildfires.

Digital Government

FEMA Wants Counties to Take Charge of Pre-Disaster Logistics

The agency has its hands full with 21 disasters in 14 states, which means federal assistance may arrive slowly in the event of yet another national emergency.

Emerging Tech

DHS Wants Industry Input on How First Responders Should Wear Their Tech

Wearables are great—but they can't get in the way when firefighters and paramedics do their jobs.

Emerging Tech

DHS To Put First Responder Tech to the Test

Can commercial tech hold up in a mock disaster? The agency’s Science and Technology Directorate wants to find out.

Emerging Tech

Interior Department Sees ‘Limitless Possibilities’ for Drones

The department aims to be the civilian leader in unmanned systems, flying nearly 5,000 missions last year alone.