The Internet of Things (IoT): a key tool for preventing disasters
The Internet of Things (IoT) is everywhere, even where you least expect it. From floods and forest fires to building collapses, it plays an active role in disaster prevention. Let’s take a closer look at what it can do in concrete terms.
Reduced response times
In an emergency, every second counts. Thanks to real-time data transmission, IoT sensors detect danger (gas, falls, impacts, etc.) and immediately alert emergency response teams. They can make all the difference in the event of a fire or road accident.
In some cities, smart IoT-based systems facilitate emergency vehicle response by automatically synchronizing traffic lights. Using real-time traffic data, they can also generate optimized routes. The result: significantly reduced travel and response times.
Improved protection of populations
Connected sensors collect a wealth of information, including abnormal variations in temperature, vibration, or atmospheric pressure. In flood-prone areas, some sensors monitor water levels and issue alerts in case of significant risks (rising river, etc.). Residents can then evacuate quickly and move to higher ground.
From urban signs to smart sirens and smartphones: the IoT connects all devices. In critical situations, alert systems can quickly disseminate information to the public, such as safety instructions or evacuation orders
Finally, the use of IoT drones equipped with thermal cameras to fly over hard-to-reach or dangerous areas and search for survivors.
More effective interventions
During a fire, IoT sensors provide valuable information on the fire’s location and intensity, the presence of hazardous substances, the number of people trapped in a building, and the affected areas requiring rapid intervention. They help teams optimize their response strategy and make informed decisions (resource allocation, areas to prioritize, etc.).
Among IoT solutions, connected cloud platforms are a valuable tool for centralizing data and facilitating its sharing. During a joint operation, they promote coordination between the various emergency services (firefighters, police, hospitals, etc.).
How can we use IoT to ensure better prevention ?
The IoT paves the way for innovative applications in prevention, provided the right technologies are chosen. Key components include :
- IoT sensors
Technological advances have enabled the development of smaller, energy-efficient sensors requiring minimal maintenance. Some even incorporate solar or thermal energy harvesting systems for autonomous operation. These low-power sensors allow for remote monitoring of hazardous, isolated, and hard-to-reach environments.
- Data analysis
The use of modern artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools makes it possible to analyze data transmitted by IoT sensors and predict potential disasters. Beyond predictive analysis, AI can be used to detect anomalies in real time with ever-increasing precision and speed. This allows for better risk anticipation and facilitates decision-making in numerous sectors (meteorology, infrastructure monitoring, risk management, industrial safety, etc.).
- Wireless connectivity
The use of IoT in disaster prevention relies on one essential element: a stable, resilient, and redundant connection to guarantee greater stability and continuity of service. The deployment of 5G networks, which excel in terms of speed, range, and latency, enables the streaming of real-time video from intervention zones as well as fast and stable communication between connected devices and emergency teams. This connectivity notably improves responsiveness and coordination between emergency services. Low-power wide area networks (NB-IoT) and LTE-M stand out for their long-range coverage and battery-saving features.
IoT technologies are no longer just about responding quickly to disasters; they now allow us to anticipate them, or even prevent them. Businesses, emergency services, and local authorities are all turning to IoT to coordinate interventions, prevent risky situations, and protect territories and populations. The advancement of AI and autonomous sensors, coupled with the deployment of high-speed networks like 5G, should further enhance the predictive capabilities of smart devices and allow us to be even better prepared for the disasters of tomorrow.
Are you considering implementing an IoT deployment to establish predictive and proactive risk management in your environment (industrial, environmental, etc.)? Objenious is a Bouygues Telecom brand dedicated to the Internet of Things. Leveraging a multi-technology portfolio including 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, we can support you in your IoT project. Need advice? Contact us.