How drones transformed Asheville’s disaster response

In a new blog post, DJI shared how DJI’s Dock drone-in-a-box system served as a “blueprint” for future citywide disaster response. Another reason how drones are doing the world good, saving lives, and keeping communities safe.

The city of Asheville, North Carolina, partnered with Ovrwatch, a provider of drones, pilots, and solutions for pretty much anything requiring eyes in the sky, to secure and help recover its city after the devastating hurricane hit the region last year.

“Drones very quickly became required, not an accessory, for the response to this event,” said Asheville Police Captain Brandan Moore. Massive flooding of the nearby river made getting to many parts of the city impossible by vehicle. And with some experience with drones, the police department knew it was the right call to provide a bird’s-eye view of what was happening.

However, the city’s limited network of DJI Docks and Dock 2 platforms wasn’t enough to cover the entire city. To remedy this, Asheville acquired DJI’s newer Dock 3 platform with the help of Ovrwatch, both supplying the platform and extra pilots to quickly expand its drone program. In total, Ovrwatch and the Asheville Police Department deployed 13 DJI Docks, Dock 2s, and Dock 3s around the city and in the beds of the city police trucks.

The extra drones, paired with the city’s BVLOS waiver from the FAA, allowed for around-the-clock surveillance of the city, helping to prevent looting and other crimes. The city was also able to get a handle on the extent of Helene’s damage in the city and the search and rescue operations.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, killing hundreds and was ranked the fifth-costliest Atlantic hurricane in history.

Using the automation DJI’s dock systems provide, the Asheville Police Department was able to become the city’s drone surveying team, mapping out damaged and flooded infrastructure regularly and with great precision. The city discovered copious amounts of vehicles and debris underwater, aiding the cleanup operations.

While many states and even the federal government are attempting to ban DJI drones from use, it’s hard to argue that the company makes a phenomenal product that makes the lives of first responders easier and safer.

With drone use on the rise in municipalities and other local governments, Asheville’s response in the wake of Hurricane Helene is a key example of how the addition of the technology can be a game changer for those who adopt it.