A new path to recovery: How AI can transform disaster response

In an era where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. From raging wildfires to devastating hurricanes, these events not only endanger lives but also stretch the resources of state and local governments to their brink. 

In the face of these escalating challenges, agencies and organizations are turning to a new powerful ally: artificial intelligence.

AI's ability to process massive amounts of data swiftly, automate tasks and provide predictive insights makes it a game-changer in emergency management. But how can state and local governments effectively integrate AI into their disaster response strategies?

Here are key steps state and local governments can take to accelerate AI as a reliable and transformative partner in our ongoing battle against natural disasters.

Enable Interagency Data Sharing

In the fast-paced and high stakes environment of disaster response and recovery, the seamless flow of information is crucial.  State emergency management agencies must begin to get their data "AI-Ready." This involves creating a standardized data dictionary and common forms, enabling AI systems to process data consistently and at never-before-seen speeds.

By having "AI-Ready" data, in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, agencies can quickly process large amounts of data to identify the most critical areas in need of aid. This can help emergency responders prioritize their efforts and ensure that resources are allocated where they are needed most. 

Investment in training programs for personnel is essential to make this a reality. They must be equipped to effectively use and share data across different platforms, ensuring that the right information reaches the right people at the right time.

Establish Clear Leadership Roles for AI Readiness and Use

Given the need for clear leadership and oversight in AI integration, state and local agencies can establish a chief AI officer. This role can be created as a new leadership office or assigned to an existing leader to champion AI initiatives.

This leadership is vital for setting strategic goals and ensuring that AI initiatives align with broader emergency management objectives. A chief AI officer can lead the development of a comprehensive AI strategy, coordinate with other departments and ensure that AI projects are seamlessly integrated into existing frameworks. This leadership role can also help build trust among stakeholders, including the public, by ensuring that AI is used ethically and transparently.

Most notably, this leader and their team can serve as the human oversight that remains crucial to prevent overreliance on AI and to ensure that decisions are made with a human touch. While AI can provide predictive insights about potential disaster scenarios, human experts should still make the final decisions by combining AI-generated data with their own judgment. This balance is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of emergency response efforts.

Road-Test Your AI Tools

Before deploying AI systems in real-world scenarios, disaster personnel must rigorously test them through emergency simulations. 

These simulations help identify the capabilities and limitations of AI tools, ensuring they serve as reliable enhancers rather than sources of overconfidence or complacency. Establishing manual backup processes is crucial to maintain operational continuity in case the technology fails during an actual crisis.

On the other hand, conducting these tests in controlled environments that mimic real-world conditions also allows personnel to gain hands-on experience with AI tools. Regular drills and training sessions can help personnel become familiar with the tools and their limitations, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle any situation.

Ensure AI Data Security

The security of AI systems and the vast amounts of data they process is paramount. Stringent cybersecurity measures, regular testing and prompt vulnerability management are essential to prevent breaches. 

This includes implementing robust encryption, access controls and monitoring systems to protect sensitive information. Agencies should also have incident response plans in place to quickly address any security breaches and minimize their impact.

Data security is not just a technical challenge but a matter of public trust. For example, during rebuilding efforts, relief funds are typically directed to state and local agencies. As these agencies manage their grants, they must protect sensitive information from unauthorized access to prevent fraud.

Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are necessary to identify and mitigate potential risks. Training personnel on best practices for data security and privacy is also crucial to ensure that everyone understands the importance of safeguarding sensitive information.

Develop a Comprehensive AI Policy and Regulatory Framework

A robust and well-defined policy and regulatory framework is essential for ensuring the ethical and effective use of AI. This framework should include stringent data handling and privacy procedures to protect personal and sensitive information. 

These procedures should cover data collection, storage, processing and sharing, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Measures such as encryption, anonymization and access controls are crucial to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of data.

Additionally, the framework must address the issue of AI bias. This involves implementing rigorous testing and continuous monitoring of AI models to identify and mitigate biases, using representative datasets and involving multidisciplinary teams in the development and deployment of AI systems.

To enhance resilience and reliability, agencies should establish robust contingencies for low-tech solutions. In the event of technological failures or crises, these low-tech alternatives can ensure that critical operations continue without disruption.

Harnessing AI to Protect Communities and Save Lives

The integration of AI in disaster response is not just a technological upgrade; it is a lifeline for our communities. By enabling interagency data sharing, establishing clear leadership roles, road-testing AI tools, ensuring data security and developing a comprehensive policy framework, state and local governments can transform the way they prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

The stakes are high, and the benefits are undeniable. AI can predict the likelihood and impact of disasters, optimize resource allocation and improve communication and coordination among different agencies. But the true power of AI lies in its ability to save lives and protect our communities.

State and local governments must act now to harness this potential. The future of emergency management is at the intersection of innovation and urgency, and AI is the critical tool that can turn the tide in our favor. 

Together, we can build a future where technology and human expertise combine to create resilient, prepared and safer communities. The time to act is now, and the lives we save will be the ultimate measure of our success.

Ross Ashley is the Senior Director of Emergency Management at KPMG U.S., where he supports state, local, and territorial clients in their recovery efforts from natural disasters. As a retired National Guard member, dedicated Red Cross volunteer and Senate-confirmed FEMA official, he has been at the forefront of disaster response and recovery since 1984.

The views expressed are the author’s alone and do not necessarily represent those of KPMG LLP.