DJI Drones Prove Critical for Disaster Response as StormPoint Handles Over 300 Emergency Calls

Natural disaster response organization StormPoint has significantly enhanced its emergency operations through strategic deployment of DJI Enterprise drones, demonstrating the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems in crisis management across the first responder sector.

The Tennessee-based nonprofit handled more than 300 emergency calls last year across nine states, leveraging advanced drone technology including the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and DJI Matrice 30 to improve disaster response capabilities.

In one notable success, StormPoint’s team located a missing autistic child during adverse weather conditions within just 13 minutes using two M210 drones equipped with thermal imaging technology. This rapid response highlights the transformative potential of drone technology in search and rescue operations.

The organization’s approach combines advanced technology with highly trained personnel. All StormPoint volunteers maintain FAA Part 107 certification and bring extensive public safety backgrounds to their roles. This professional expertise proves essential during critical response phases when every minute counts.

Russell Bradshaw, StormPoint’s founder and executive director, emphasizes that while technology is crucial, its effectiveness depends entirely on proper implementation:

“Having reliable tools like DJI’s drones makes all the difference in our ability to respond effectively and quickly. It’s not just about the technology—it’s about how we use it to protect and support communities.”

StormPoint’s disaster response protocol operates in two distinct phases, each leveraging different drone capabilities. During the initial response phase, teams utilize hybrid sensors and thermal imaging to locate survivors in compromised areas. The drones’ ability to provide real-time video feeds to command staff has proven particularly valuable when traditional access routes are blocked or unsafe.

The recovery phase sees drones deployed for detailed damage assessment and documentation. The Mavic 3 Enterprise’s mechanical shutter enables rapid capture of georeferenced imagery, with the ability to take overlapping shots every 0.7 seconds for precise mapping purposes. During Hurricane Helene operations, teams successfully mapped over 3,700 acres of flood-affected terrain.

The impact extends beyond StormPoint’s operations. Local law enforcement agencies have also integrated DJI technology into their disaster response protocols. The Greensboro Police Department enhanced its capabilities with a donated Mavic 3T, while Asheville’s police force utilized two loaned Matrice 350 drones for comprehensive aerial assessments during critical operations.

Wayne Baker, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at DJI, notes the broader implications:

“At DJI, we are truly inspired to see first responders utilize our technology as a vital tool in the search, response, and recovery phases, helping to support and rebuild communities in their time of need.”

This integration of drone technology into disaster response frameworks represents a significant evolution in emergency management capabilities. As natural disasters continue to increase in both frequency and intensity, the role of unmanned aerial systems in crisis response appears likely to expand further, particularly as organizations like StormPoint demonstrate their effectiveness in real-world applications.

Photos courtesy of DJI.