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How HTS Ag’s Thermal Drone Tech Helped Shelby County EMA Expose a Leak—and How We Can Help You Too

When Shelby County EMA needed to troubleshoot a suspected water leak at the Elk Horn water tower, they turned to our advanced thermal drone technology and training. The result: a rapid, precise, and safe inspection that revealed the water level was only 6 to 8 feet deep, confirming the sensor error and enabling focused repair efforts. KSOM story link.


What We Delivered

  1. Thermal Drone Unit
    We supplied a rugged, weather-resistant drone equipped with a high-resolution thermal imaging camera—designed specifically for industrial inspections like water towers, pipelines, and confined-space structures.
  2. Comprehensive Training for Shelby County EMA
    Our certified trainers guided EMA personnel through:
    • Pre-flight planning & airspace compliance.
    • Efficient flight paths for full structure coverage.
    • Real-time thermal image capture and interpretation.
    • Safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Within just a few weeks, Shelby County EMA was fully operational—able to deploy the drone independently to confirm the water tower’s depleted level and accelerate sensor repair efforts .

 Why This Matters for Other EMA Departments

  • Faster Diagnostics: Instead of waiting for sensor techs or risking personnel for manual inspections, thermal drones provide an immediate overview.
  • Prevent Utility Downtime: Early detection of sensor issues or leaks helps avoid costly or dangerous water shortages.
  • Enhanced Safety: Remote inspections reduce the need for staff to climb towers or enter hazardous zones.
  • Independent Capability: Local EMA teams gain full control—no need to wait on outside contractors for simple diagnostics.

How HTS Ag Supports EMA Teams

ServiceBenefits
Drone HardwareRugged, aviation-ready thermal drones with long battery life
Hands‑On TrainingFAA-compliant flight prep, thermal imaging use, data capture & analysis
Customized ApplicationsTailored programs—water towers, electrical lines, emergency scenario use
Ongoing & Remote SupportExpert help, firmware updates, periodic check‑ins, and refresher training

Ready to Take Flight?

If your EMA department is ready to boost capabilities with drone-powered thermal inspection, HTS Ag can help you:

  1. Schedule a free needs assessment
  2. Get quotes for drone systems and training
  3. Coordinate FAA authorization & flight safety procedures
  4. Deliver hands-on, department-specific training

Together, we’ll equip your EMA team with tools and confidence to react faster, safer, and more cost-effectively in future incidents—just like Shelby County.

Interested?

Contact HTS Ag today to explore demo options, pricing, and deployment timelines. Let’s bring cutting-edge drone tech to your county—because when seconds matter, vision matters most.

How an OPI Grain Management system can pay for itself.