Exploring the Potential of AI Tools in Emergency Management and Recovery
This morning, while scrolling Instagram, I came across an LA Times post that made me think about how we handle crisis communications - and whether we're using all the tools available to us, particularly AI. This topic hits close to home because I know people who have been displaced by the recent fires.
The story, written by Mary McNamara, criticized Los Angeles officials' communications during the recent wildfire crisis. And while reading it, I couldn't help but wonder: Are AI tools being used to help leaders make faster, smarter decisions—and if not, could they be?
What Inspired This Question
When it was press conference time during the Eaton and Palisades fires, McNamara wasn't expecting Mayor Karen Bass to focus on defending herself. As she put it:
I did not expect her to address any of these things at this press conference — she was in a crisis situation and this was not the time for that. I did, however, expect her to provide updates. You know, to tell us exactly what was going on. Maybe pull out some maps that revealed not just evacuation areas but some sense of actual fire lines. Discuss how much water and fire retardant had been dropped when and where, and whether it was proving effective. Something. Instead, she blamed the wind. Not in a terribly informative way — no mention of potential shifts or increases and what they might mean for each fire. -- Mary McNamara, LA Times Writer
It made me pause and wonder: Did the mayor or anyone in her office use tools like ChatGPT in this process? And are municipalities considering it for this type of use?
My goal here isn't to judge or criticize. I wasn't in the room. I'm not in her shoes. I'm just curious, and I raise these points only to plant seeds for further discussions.
How AI Could Help in Crisis Communications
Think about it. There are so many ways AI could support leaders during a crisis:
What if AI could review public statements to ensure they're hitting the right tone and providing the information people most need?
What if it could help determine optimal timing and messengers for updates?
I'm not talking about fancy, cutting-edge AI that only exists in tech labs. I mean the low-tech, accessible tools that are already out there—tools like ChatGPT, which can be used as a thought partner to refine messages, analyze tone, and get the right information to the right people at the right time.
How AI is already deployed in Firefighting and Disaster Recovery?
Curious about what exists today, I did some digging. Here's what I found:
ALERTCalifornia System
This is pretty impressive stuff:
They've got 1,807 AI-powered cameras watching for fires across California
The AI analyzes camera feeds and can spot fires before anyone calls 911
Anyone can watch the live footage (I checked it out at cameras.alertcalifornia.org)
FEMA's Getting in the Game
They're working on the PARC pilot project (Planning Assistant for Resilient Communities). It's not live yet, but it shows they're thinking about how AI can help with disaster planning.
The Human Side of Crisis Response
My head keeps going directly to those impacted and what lies ahead for them. When I watched Good Morning America correspondent Cameron Mathison talking about losing his house, it hit home hard.
Think about it: You're suddenly homeless. For the average person, it's not just the stress of not knowing where you're going to sleep – it's also wondering how you're ever going to rebuild. How are you going to pay for it?
This is exactly why I was encouraged to learn about Clara, the Red Cross's AI chatbot. It's designed specifically to help disaster survivors navigate these overwhelming moments. Speaking both English and Spanish, Clara helps connect people with immediate assistance, shelter locations, and available resources. It's a perfect example of how AI can provide practical, emotional support when people need it most.
What If AI Could Help With Recovery Too?
Imagine having a friendly AI assistant that could:
Walk you through filing FEMA paperwork
"What documents do I need to apply?" or "Am I eligible for this program?"
Help you understand your insurance coverage
Connect you with local resources and support groups
Learn about options like the California FAIR Plan for high-risk insurance
"What steps should I take after a wildfire damages my home?” or “How do I apply for the California FAIR Plan?”
Guide you through the rebuilding process
Imagine it doing all this in a calm, reassuring voice, available 24/7 when you're lying awake at 3 AM wondering what to do next.
The Bigger Picture
Here's the thing: While AI tools are promising, they're not magic wands. They won't replace human expertise or judgment. But they could help us:
Make better decisions faster
Communicate more clearly
Help more people more efficiently
Reduce the overwhelming stress on both leaders and victims
However, they make mistakes. In the case of the LA wildfire, a digital alert system actually sent out misinformation.
Some residents received false evacuation alerts while others got no notifications at all. These weren't just minor technical glitches; they potentially put people at risk and shook public trust in these crucial safety systems. The company behind these alerts, Genasys, says it has added new safeguards. You can read more in this CBS news story.
Considering AI’s Environmental Footprint
While AI tools offer significant potential in crisis response, it’s also worth considering their environmental impact. Some reports suggest that the energy and water consumption required to train and operate AI systems could contribute to environmental stress. For example, data centers supporting these tools consume vast amounts of water for cooling, raising questions about their sustainability in regions already prone to droughts and wildfires.
This adds another layer of complexity to the conversation: How do we balance the benefits of AI in disaster prevention and recovery with its potential contribution to environmental challenges? Read more from the cut.com
Where Do We Go From Here?
Given both the potential benefits and environmental challenges of AI deployment, the path forward requires careful consideration. We need solutions that balance immediate crisis response needs with long-term environmental sustainability. What if we started small? What if every emergency management office had access to basic AI tools to help with:
Message crafting and review
Resource allocation planning
Public information distribution
Recovery support
This isn't about criticizing anyone's efforts during a crisis. It's about looking forward and asking: How can continue to do better? What tools could help our leaders and our communities today to be more resilient without jeopardizing sustainability?
Public Trust and System Reliability
But here's the most crucial question: How do we rebuild and maintain public trust in these systems? When automation fails during a crisis, people's lives are at stake. We need to think seriously about backup systems and redundancies. What happens when the AI gets it wrong? What's our plan B for alerts and communications?
Because at the end of the day, all the advanced technology in the world won't help if people don't trust the systems meant to protect them.
Acknowledging the Human Toll
While writing this, I'm reminded that behind every news article, statistic, or technology proposal, there are real people whose lives have been turned upside down. Families are grieving the loss of homes, memories, and the sense of security they once had.
As we consider implementing AI solutions, we must remember that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Each decision about AI adoption needs to weigh not just technological capability and environmental impact, but also its effect on the human beings who will rely on these systems in their most vulnerable moments.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible resilience of these communities and the emergency responders working tirelessly to protect and rebuild. My hope is that these discussions about AI and other tools lead to ideas that not only help leaders but also bring tangible relief to the people directly impacted.
How you can help
Additional Reading
This article discusses the launch of Alert California, an initiative providing advanced tools and resources to monitor and respond to wildfires and other natural disasters in California. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the program aims to enhance preparedness, improve response times, and empower communities with real-time data to better navigate the challenges of climate-related events.
Nvidia Scientist Says AI Robots Will Fight Wildfires Someday
Nvidia scientist envisions a future where AI-powered robots play a critical role in combating wildfires. The article explores advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence that could enable machines to navigate hazardous environments, reduce risks for human firefighters, and potentially prevent wildfires from spreading uncontrollably.
Disaster-relief chatbots enhancing crisis response and support
This article highlights the role of chatbots in disaster response, illustrating how AI-driven conversational agents are transforming crisis management. From providing real-time information to supporting affected individuals, these chatbots are bridging communication gaps and delivering faster, more efficient relief efforts during emergencies.
Is there a connection between the LA wildfires and artificial intelligence?
This piece looks at the intersection of artificial intelligence and the LA wildfires, examining how AI is being used to predict, track, and manage wildfire events. It discusses the potential of machine learning models to identify high-risk areas, improve resource allocation, and aid in post-fire recovery efforts, highlighting the broader implications for environmental management.
Great article! This is such a tragedy that’s heavy on everyone’s minds, and people are looking for solutions. Right now America is coping with so many things and the right communication is so important at this time.