Drone Safety Research Underway by Homeland Security and PDC

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Property Drone Consortium (PDC) are cooperating to advance the understanding of the use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) for public safety missions. PDC is a collaborative group of insurance carriers, roofing industry leaders, and supporting enterprises with offices in Bothell, Washington. A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) has been signed between the groups to leverage the knowledge base, capabilities, and resources of the parties to the agreement in advancing the
understanding of the use of UASs for public safety missions.

“UAS data can be used by first responders, as well as by insurers and owners of other properties and structures looking to assess damage and take remedial action relative to providing assistance to victims, quick assessment of claims, and urgent repairs,” said Charles Mondello, president of PDC.

It is hoped that the agreement will result in providing a “framework for collaborative public and private response in post-catastrophe events,” noted Stephen Hancock, special projects director for S&T’s First Responders Group.

For more informaion, visit www.propertydrone.org.