How Tech and Community Are Helping Floridians Recover from Hurricane Michael: New at Reason

Columnist Andrea O’Sullivan writes from Pensacola, Fla., to give Reason a view from the ground in the wake of Hurricane Michael and show how community and technology are playing such a big role in recovering:

My column usually covers technology issues. And indeed, disaster recovery stories generally take note of the unprecedented or now-standard technological innovations that provide crucial support to victims and relief groups on the ground.

Hurricane Michael is no different. Without aerial visual technologies and drone scouting, that stranded Callaway family may have been left out on their own for many more days or weeks. Communication apps have made it easier for people to connect and plan both during and after a disaster. AirBnB opened a volunteer housing network to host affected families for free; Uber is likewise offering free rides and helping to coordinate donations and first response needs.

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