fbpx
Business

Canadian and U.S. governments testing new communication tech to improve emergency response

Canadian Flag

The Canadian and United States governments are collaborating on the development of technologies that will enable emergency management officials and responders from both countries to communicate and exchange information whenever emergency incidents take place.

As part of the initiative, Canada’s Department of National Defence’s Centre for Security Science and the U.S.’ Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate conducted the fifth Canada-U.S. Resiliency Experiment, known as CAUSE V, between the dates of November 15th and November 16th.

CAUSE, which has run since 2011, aims to promote cross-border information sharing and communication in order to execute more effective coordinated response efforts in incidents that may affect both Canada and the U.S.

Testing took place near the border in Lower Mainland, British Columbia and Whatcom County in the state of Washington and saw participants ranging from municipal, provincial, federal and non-governmental parties.

Specifically, CAUSE simulated a disaster scenario involving a volcanic eruption and subsequent crater collapse for emergency responders and management officials to handle. Using cutting-edge information sharing technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles andsecure high-speed wireless data communications networks, the teams were tasked with working together to create and enact a response plan.

Results from the experiment will be used to help both jurisdictions assess and improve their technology for operational use.

Source: Government of Canada

Related Articles

Comments