SOMERVILLE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Roof collapse concerns are getting worse across Massachusetts and in Somerville they're trying to find those trouble spots at lightening speed, and they've reached out for help.
Officials have hired a company to fly drones over the city, in the name of safety. Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said the city was looking for a way to achieve more "real-time surveying" and are using technology to help prevent the season's biggest danger, roof collapses.
Above Summit was the Somerville tech company in charge of piloting the hex-copter over city buildings and schools. Curtatone says they had about 30 or so over the city and will wrap up Saturday.
A crucial job given the fact the weight of the snow could triple in some places during this weekend's storm.
SkyFOX flew over Somerville High School last week when collapse concerns closed the doors several days before February vacation. And all this snow has been tearing through city budgets, but Curtatone says this public safety strategy is worth every penny.
"They gave us a huge hometown discount, only $1,500," he said.
Given the progress crews are making on snow removal, Somerville High is expected to open on Monday.