Everglades City
by Dr. Chrissann Ruehle, DBA, MBA, CPM | AI Consultant and Strategist, & Management Faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University
As many of you know all too well, living in our beautiful coastal community comes with its share of challenges, particularly during hurricane season. The recent Hurricane Helene left an indelible mark on our state and beyond, reminding us of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness. In the aftermath, many of our neighbors are asking how they can better prepare for future storms.
Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), a powerful tool that is revolutionizing how we approach hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery. While AI might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, it is a practical and accessible technology that is already integrated into many of the apps and devices we use daily. From predicting storm paths with unprecedented accuracy to streamlining post-hurricane insurance claims, AI is becoming an invaluable ally in our ongoing engagement with Mother Nature.
In this article, we will explore how you can harness the power of AI to stay safe and recover quickly when the next big storm comes our way. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or someone who still prefers a flip phone, there’s an AI tool out there that can help you weather the storm.
Before the Storm
Weather apps like The Weather Channel and AccuWeather now use AI to provide accurate, localized predictions. Set up notifications on your smartphone to stay informed about potential risks in your area.
Your virtual assistant can be a lifesaver for hurricane preparation. Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant can create custom prep lists tailored to your needs. Simply ask, “What do I need for a hurricane?” and you will get a comprehensive list.
Some insurance companies offer AI-powered apps that evaluate your home’s vulnerability to hurricane damage. These tools can suggest specific ways to protect your property, potentially saving you from costly damage.
During the Hurricane
AI-powered weather apps like NOAA Weather or MyRadar provide real-time storm tracking and emergency alerts. They can give instant notifications about storm movement, flooding risks, and evacuation orders.
If you need to evacuate, AI-enhanced navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps can provide up-to-date routes, adjusting for weather-related closures and flooding. They can guide you to safety and help you locate open shelters.
For those who prefer to stay home, smart home devices can monitor your property and alert you to issues like power outages or flooding, even if you have evacuated.
After the Storm
Many insurance companies now use AI to speed up the claims process. You can often upload photos of storm damage through their mobile app for quick assessment, potentially reducing the time it takes to receive your payout.
AI-driven apps like Google Maps or GasBuddy can help you locate open gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies in your area. Community apps like Nextdoor can be invaluable for sharing local resources and recovery information.
When navigating disaster recovery assistance, AI chatbots can guide you through applying for FEMA aid, apply for grants, and connect you with local recovery resources.
AI offers valuable tools to help us prepare for, endure, and recover from hurricanes, from smart weather predictions to streamlined insurance claims. However, it is crucial to remember that AI complements, but does not replace, common sense, community spirit, and official guidance.
As AI continues to evolve, we may see even more advanced applications in hurricane management. Yet, our community’s resilience will always depend on our preparedness and ability to support one another.
Let us embrace these AI tools as allies in our hurricane preparedness toolkit, while continuing to strengthen our community bonds. By combining high-tech tools with our strong community spirit, we will be ready to weather whatever storms come our way. Stay safe out there!
