Disaster Response in Texas

Challenge

In July 2025, catastrophic floods tore through Texas, claiming more than 135 lives and submerging entire communities under water. Roads vanished, homes were destroyed, and critical communication networks failed; leaving many first responders cut off from one another at the exact moment coordination mattered most.

In the small community of Hunt, Texas, the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department; an all-volunteer team of locals; found themselves at the center of the emergency. With limited resources and power outages across the county, they became the de facto command post for rescue operations, doing everything from fielding distress calls to organizing supply drops.

Fire Chief Mike Reynolds recalls, “We had boats in the water, but no way to talk to them. The radio systems were down, and cell coverage was gone. We were working blind.”

Solution

Within hours of the flooding, SmartAID USA mobilized its disaster technology team to Hunt. Drawing on years of experience in humanitarian emergencies, we deployed rapid-install communication systems designed to restore connectivity in crisis zones.

In partnership with Motorola Solutions, SmartAID equipped the fire department’s trucks and response vehicles with reliable telecommunication systems, giving volunteers the ability to stay connected in the field, coordinate rescues, and share live updates.

At the firehouse, our engineers built a temporary command center, powered by solar energy and supported by high-speed satellite internet. Inside, large coordination screens displayed live maps of flood zones, resource allocations, and weather updates, enabling responders to make informed, life-saving decisions in real time.

This model is what we call the second circle of support, it strengthens local responders by surrounding them with advanced tools and training, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human courage and coordination.

Impact

For the first time since the floods began, emergency responders in Hunt could communicate seamlessly. Rescuers were able to locate stranded families, prioritize calls, and track every team member’s position safely.

Sarah Lopez, a volunteer firefighter and mother of two, shared, “That moment when we got the first live feed on the screen, it felt like hope. We could finally see what was happening, and we could act fast.”

Beyond the immediate response, SmartAID’s installation has become a permanent preparedness hub for the community. The command center now serves as a training site for future disasters, and the technology remains active, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice across Kerr County and beyond.

Our collaboration with the Hunt Fire Department continues today, maintaining systems, offering digital resilience training, and expanding networks to neighboring first responder teams.

Together, with technology and the unbreakable spirit of Texas volunteers, we’re future-proofing disaster response, one community at a time.

How You Can Help

Through financial and partnership support we can reach as many at-risk communities as possible.

💡 Donate: Fund clean energy, water, and connectivity systems for affected communities.

🤝 Partner: Join us through technology, logistics, or community engagement.

📣 Share: Amplify this mission to help more people access life-saving tools.

Together, we can rebuild resilient communities.

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