Lakewood Ranch CERT employing drone technology ahead of hurricane season

As the 2025 hurricane season nears, the Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is launching a drone program designed to bolster local recovery efforts. This initiative will deploy drones after storms to assess damage and identify residents requiring assistance. David Esslinger, a dedicated CERT member, highlighted the advantages of using drones, stating that they can cover extensive areas rapidly and target specific locations needing attention. The technology would have been invaluable during last year's storms, where access issues hampered recovery efforts. A free demonstration event is scheduled for March 15, 2025, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, showcasing how the Drone Program will operate.

By integrating drone technology, the CERT aims to enhance its efficiency in disaster response, ensuring that help reaches those in need more swiftly. This proactive measure reflects a commitment to community safety and preparedness as hurricane season approaches. The Drone Program signifies a promising step forward in utilizing technology for emergency management in Lakewood Ranch.