IoT public safety
use cases:
Driving benefits
for emergency
responders

What are the top Internet of Things (IoT) public safety use cases?  How does IoT technology have a direct impact on public safety and emergency response communications?

Fundamentally, the internet of things is a network of intelligent, internet-connected devices which collect, exchange and display data. IoT for public safety communications includes sensors and devices, as well as machine-to-machine systems to aid with critical, on-the-spot decision-making.  These IoT tools can help predict incidents and help to guide incident prevention and planning efforts.  IoT data can be analyzed and used to remotely control other devices or fed through to human users in the field.

As the number of IoT public safety use cases increases, so does the productivity and efficiency of first responders across a variety of industries; from military and government, to transportation and state and local public safety. However, IoT for public safety only works as promised if supported by a powerful, reliable network.

IoT for public safety is designed to utilize the right tools to get the best information to the right people as soon as possible. IoT public safety use cases are focused on driving efficiencies, improving decision-making and reducing harm through intelligent use of this near real-time data. New IoT public safety use cases are constantly emerging.

The following trends are key to advancing the future of public safety and emergency response technology.

One of the most crucial use cases of IoT for public safety is providing situational awareness during incidents or emergencies. Public safety answering points (PSAPs), responders on scene, incident command and other users with approved access to a situational awareness platform will take information feeds from the IoT devices (think cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, heat sensors, fire alarms) that can source near real-time data feeds to help inform rapid decision making.

With a combined dashboard view, or Common Operating Picture (COP), this data can be aggregated, analyzed and turned into actionable information such as situational reports, then pushed out to first responders en route to support decision-making and help mitigate risk.

Further data intelligence could be gathered by IoT devices such as cameras on responders who are at the scene, which can provide commanders with an enhanced, near real time view — as well as a useful data source for post-incident reports. 

Smart sensors can automatically call 911, for example, if smoke is detected inside of a building. Additionally, cameras can help detect weapons outside of an office complex and automatically send a notification to the police of a potential incident. 

Public warning systems are yet another set of helpful IoT public safety use cases that aid in both broadcasting and response to large-scale incidents, such as a natural disaster. It's vital the public is alerted as soon as possible. IoT sensors can provide an early warning system via link-ups with public displays, billboards, connected vehicles and smartphones. For example, as a hurricane approaches, data gathered from IoT devices and sensors can be collected by early warning systems to help with evacuation efforts. 

Roadside sensors with the ability to detect ground fog can be coupled with temperature gauges, dew point data and other factors to autonomously detect an area with low visibility. These inputs, combined with IoT software, can be programmed to automatically send alerts to flash "go slow" on digital signs on a mountainous road.

Should a sensor detect a leak of carbon monoxide, gas pipes could be automatically cut off. This type of automated emergency response is yet another example of the benefits of using IoT for public safety.