SARCOP Transforms Hurricane Response with Real-Time Tracking

As in any emergency, knowing where there are people in need, where there are damages, where the power is out, and where roads and routes may be closed are all essential. That’s especially true for sharing and collaborating among multiple agencies in the aftermath to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. A geographic information system (GIS) puts responders on the same page, so everyone involved knows what’s happening, and where.

In the days following the destruction caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, a remarkable story of technological innovation and unwavering human dedication emerged. During consecutive hurricanes, personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams, and state and local agencies utilized the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP). This invaluable tool functions as a shared operational view, enhancing coordination and guaranteeing thorough search efforts.

SARCOP, a multiagency platform, was developed by the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) Foundation and is powered by ArcGIS Online. SARCOP allows first responders to easily record field data of where they have been and what they have observed through user-friendly mobile and web applications.

Chief Chad Rademacher of Colorado Task Force 1 (CO-TF1) praised the platform’s ability to visualize team locations and improve operational coordination. The effectiveness and safety of US&R operations were improved through the utilization of SARCOP.

For instance, personnel tracking with real-time GIS and remote sensing technologies can be managed down to the individual device level, ensuring an efficient allocation of resources and enhanced safety measures. This is made possible by ArcGIS Velocity—a cloud-native add-on capability for ArcGIS Online. It allows the ingestion of data from Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, message brokers, or third-party APIs to enable US&R teams to continually monitor team members’ locations through their mobile devices. This level of precision ensures that division and group supervisors, task force leaders, and other command personnel have up-to-date information regarding team member locations. This enhances both operational efficiency and safety.

One of the most significant benefits of SARCOP is the enhanced safety it provides for search and rescue personnel. The ability to track team members ensures that commanders are aware of their locations at all times, reducing the risk of personnel becoming lost or isolated in hazardous environments. This feature also allows for the quick identification of and response to any “incident within the incident,” such as a Mayday, that may arise during operations.

The integration of GIS and remote sensing technologies within SARCOP allows for the efficient deployment of resources. By visualizing the locations of personnel and assets on a dynamic map, incident commanders can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources. This capability is particularly crucial during large-scale disasters like hurricanes, where the rapid and effective deployment of search and rescue teams can save lives. These remote sensing capabilities allow for data collection in the field, turning responders into human sensors. This GIS configuration allows for the rapid display of imagery from satellites, crewed aircraft, or drones.

Colorado Task Force 1 played a pivotal role in the response to both Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Chief Rademacher provided valuable insights into the use of SARCOP during these operations. According to him, the ability to view device locations using ArcGIS Field Maps was highly beneficial.

“Using field maps, it was really easy to view all those device locations. It was very beneficial on that because it allowed us to know where the crews were,” said Chief Rademacher.

He highlighted the importance of this feature during operations in North Carolina, where crews were spread out across multiple assignments. He noted, “What we had in North Carolina, where the crews were so spread out and there were multiple assignments in an OPS [operational] period traveling up one streambed and then a river and another town. It definitely allowed us to track them.”

Rademacher also emphasized how SARCOP facilitated resource deployment based on real-time location data.

“There were areas that they knew they needed to search along the riverbeds, and then they also targeted areas where people were calling in and there were people missing, so a little bit more isolated in some of those,” he explained.

This capability ensured that resources were deployed effectively, covering all necessary areas and addressing specific calls for help.

The real-time mapping feature of SARCOP was another critical advantage noted by Rademacher, in that it allowed commanders to identify and address any gaps in coverage, ensuring comprehensive search efforts.

“When you could see the map and where the crews were working, it showed the gaps within that coverage area as well,” he said.

Rademacher expressed strong support for the live tracking feature, which enhances the effectiveness and safety of search and rescue operations.

“I’ve only got positive things to say about that live tracking feature. I think that’s something that definitely is going to benefit us in the future,” he said.

Using SARCOP, powered by Esri technologies, has significantly improved the capabilities of US&R teams during the response to some of the world’s most complex incidents. The platform’s ability to track personnel in real time, facilitate efficient resource deployment, and enhance operational safety through GIS and remote sensing technologies has proven invaluable.

The positive feedback from Rademacher of CO-TF1 highlights the practical benefits of these advanced features, demonstrating the critical role of SARCOP in modern search and rescue operations. If you need assistance deploying these capabilities, please reach out to Esri for support.

Learn more about SARCOP.