In the aftermath of a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook New York City, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has deployed drones to aid in inspecting buildings and bridges for potential structural damage. The NYPD, in collaboration with the buildings department, is utilizing these high-tech tools to ensure public safety and prevent incidents like the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
NYPD Drones: A Vital Tool for Inspections
The NYPD’s drones, small enough to hold in one’s hands, are primarily used to inspect buildings and assess structural integrity. Following the recent earthquake, the drones have taken on a crucial role in surveying bridges and identifying any anomalies or defects that may have resulted from the seismic activity.
According to an NYPD representative, “We are scanning the bridges up and down, looking for any type of anomalies, looking for any structural defects, looking for anything that’s out of the ordinary of brick, maybe loose shaking.”
Live Streaming and AI Analysis
The drone footage can be live-streamed to members of the buildings department, providing real-time data as they continue to assess any damage, reports ABC 7 NY. Additionally, AI software is employed to analyze the videos in a matter of minutes, quickly identifying potential issues that may require further attention.
While city officials have stated that there appear to be no significant problems at present, they caution that the situation could change in the coming days and weeks. “We have to depart and a buildings are concerned about some of the down impossibilities, cracks that you might see that that may materialize a manifest in a week or a month or scaffolding retaining walls,” the representative added.
Public Safety: A Top Priority
Commissioner Castry emphasizes the thoroughness of the work being conducted by the NYPD and the buildings department, aiming to prevent a catastrophic event like the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse from occurring in New York City.
“I’m sure when before people go across that bridge, I know that they’re thinking like, oh my god is super safe. So we want to make sure that we are doing our job as a police department, helping the Department of Transportation and buildings access these bridges,” Castry stated.
The buildings department encourages the public to report any observations of structural irregularities by calling 311, allowing for prompt investigation and ensuring the safety of the city’s infrastructure.
As New York City recovers from the earthquake, the NYPD’s drones serve as a testament to the innovative use of technology in maintaining public safety and preventing potential disasters. The collaboration between the NYPD and the buildings department showcases the city’s commitment to the well-being of its residents and the resilience of its infrastructure in the face of natural disasters.
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