Verizon has teamed with startup company Hyfi and the Center for Neighborhood Technology on a project to use 50 low-cost, high-tech sensors across flood-prone areas in Chicago to improve real-time monitoring and aid emergency preparations.
The sensors operate on Verizon’s 5G network and aim to provide critical data to city managers, emergency officials and residents to mitigate the impact of floods.
Hyfi’s solar-powered sensors are combined with a web-based app to create a real-time flood condition map.
The app minimises or eliminates the need for stormwater professionals or emergency responders to manually calibrate the sensors during a major weather event. It plans to also offer the app to local residents to monitor data in their own neighbourhoods.
Verizon also announced Hyfi joined its Frontline Innovation Program to develop services which improve community emergency response and recovery efforts.
The operator rolled out the floodwater sensors in the Louisiana city of New Orleans last year, which provided critical data during hurricane season in the US. It plans to deploy the sensors in additional cities over the next year.
The non-profit Center for Neighborhood Technology, which is focused on improving cities by making them more sustainable, and Verizon are also working together to educate communities about making informed decisions and staying safe during weather-related emergencies.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Stock Image
