Rapid deployable global sensing hazard alert system

A hazard detection and alert system comprising:

• a central command;
• a wireless backhaul network;
• and
• a remote monitoring unit comprising:
• a communications module configured for bidirectional communication with the central command via the wireless backhaul network;
• and
• a positioning system;
• wherein the wireless backhaul network provides at least a portion of the bidirectional communication capability independent of cellular telecommunication networks and the Internet.

A method for operating a hazard detection and alert system, the method comprising:

• receiving, via a wireless backhaul network, sensor data from a plurality of remote monitoring units;
• receiving, via the wireless backhaul network, positioning data describing a plurality of positions respectively associated with the plurality of remote monitoring units;
• determining the existence and location of a hazard;
• and
• instructing at least one of the plurality of remote monitoring units to provide an alert based at least in part on the location of the hazard and the plurality of positions;
• wherein the alert indicates a proximity between the location of the hazard and the position of the remote monitoring unit providing the alert.