Emerging Technologies in Disaster Recovery and Restoration
Artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies are reshaping the disaster recovery and restoration fields by accelerating response times and improving outcomes. In many ways, disaster recovery technology offers preventative measures and post-disaster data that save lives and make specialty restoration more beneficial for insurance professionals and contractors.
Learn more about the latest technological innovations in restoration and how
Prism Specialties capitalizes on the newest tech capabilities
Natural Disaster Management and Recovery: Before, During, and After Loss Events
Disaster management combines preventive and post-event systems to reduce vulnerabilities and risks posed by floods, fires, hurricanes, and other natural catastrophes. Most disaster management systems are coordinated at the state level through interagency and governmental task forces, though private
entities often contribute as consultants, suppliers, or response partners.
Organizationally, the systems are typically grouped as preparatory, during the event, and during the recovery phase.
Technology in Disaster Management: Preparatory Phase
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Some of the most impactful technological advancements have focused on the preparatory phase of disaster management, notably early warning systems and supply chain management.
Technology in Severe Weather Events
Using real-time data, artificial intelligence is also providing hyperlocal weather reporting during events.
Building on predictive modeling, AI constantly updates its models as new data comes in, predicting immediate shifts in wind patterns, storm surge depths, and distances. closing the gap between preparation and response.
AI in Weather Forecasts
Artificial intelligence has greatly improved weather forecast accuracy and lead time. Algorithms synthesize massive amounts of data and identify complex patterns to generate more accurate weather models. These advancements have increased event lead times by days and even weeks, allowing local response teams to mobilize resources and direct evacuations. AI weather models make predicting a storm’s impact
on regional logistics easier. This allows agencies to map supply chain and logistical disruptions that would limit resource allocation, power outages, or slow emergency response times.
Disaster Management: Recovery Phase
Recovery begins as soon as the impact area is deemed safe to access – a decision increasingly informed by remote sensing techniques like drones, satellites, and aerial imaging. These systems allow response teams to assess damage to buildings and infrastructure to prioritize resources efficiently.
Insurers, contractors, and restoration professionals also rely on this information to locate properties and begin restoration as soon as possible.
Technology is Changing Specialty Restoration Outcomes
Post-disaster restoration involves many variables, but the most important is time. From art pack-outs to restoring specialized manufacturing equipment, hours make a difference in restoration success. More accurate forecasting, real-time predictions, and efficient resource planning allow specialty restoration experts to work more effectively.
A timely response improves results in several ways, including:
- Reducing emotional distress
- Improving restoration odds of valuable objects
- Minimizing secondary damages, including mold growth, water damage, and smoke damage
- Reducing health risks, notable mold and air contamination
- Controlling costs by reducing the need for total replacement of valuable items
More Advanced Technologies in Restoration
The specialty restoration industry has its share of tech-heavy innovations, many spurred by the increased severity and frequency of major natural disasters.
Equipment and Item Tracking
Prism Specialties has advanced tracking capabilities that allow each location to monitor the movement and status of items throughout the restoration process. Combined with exceptionally detailed documentation and cataloging, the system gives our contractor and insurance professional partners real-time visibility into item location and expected project completion.
Thermal Imaging
Used for structural and specialty restoration applications, thermal imaging can expose hidden moisture pockets within buildings or individual items, allowing technicians to address unseen issues through minimally invasive methods.
Item Analysis
While still in its infancy, restoration companies are already training AI algorithms to spot and assess damage. In the near future, AI may be able to assess damaged items faster and more accurately than humans in much the same way it diagnoses cancer or other health problems.
Specialty Restoration Continues to Evolve
There is no shortage of computer technology used in art restoration, reviving damaged electronics and manufacturing equipment, and in every part of the restoration business. As the cadence of natural disasters increases, restoration professionals have more reason to invest in these rapidly improving technologies to deliver better client results. Prism Specialties is deeply committed to combining innovative tech and time-tested restoration practices to meet and exceed client expectations.
