Through an $11,000 corporate sponsorship grant from Georgia Power, the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the addition of a new advanced drone system designed to support search and rescue operations, storm assessments and public safety efforts.
“At Georgia Power, we’ve seen firsthand how drones can enhance safety, improve situational awareness and help teams respond more effectively during emergencies,” said Melissa Free, Region Executive for Georgia Power. “From inspecting infrastructure to assessing storm damage and supporting restoration efforts, this technology has become an invaluable tool to us at Georgia Power.”
The new EMA drone is equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, obstacle avoidance technology, a laser rangefinder and weather-resistant durability, allowing emergency personnel to operate more effectively in challenging conditions. One of the drone’s most valuable features is its ability to swap batteries while in operation, minimizing downtime during critical response efforts.
Since being deployed, the drone has already assisted with missing person searches, damage assessments, crash investigations and fire operations throughout the community.
“Many of the counties that surround us are already using drones for search and rescue, and thanks to the generosity of Georgia Power we are now better able to help our community,” said Chris Fincher, deputy director of the Emergency Management Agency.
Because the drone is weather rated, EMA teams can conduct faster damage assessments during severe weather and other difficult conditions. Future plans include adding digital night vision capabilities to further strengthen nighttime emergency response operations.
“We’re proud to support Floyd County Emergency Management’s efforts to strengthen its response capabilities because being a Citizen Wherever We Serve means helping our communities be as safe, prepared and resilient as possible,” Free said.
Drone operators for Floyd County EMA are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration and operate in compliance with all established rules and procedures.
