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| High-tech help in emergencies
What's happening locally? Castleberry is the first Texas school district to adopt the Rapid Responder crisis management system, using a $100,400 federal grant. School districts in Alvarado and Burleson also are using federal grants for security improvements such as staff training and equipment. How does it work? The program includes detailed mapping of school facilities with precise locations of everything from windows and doors to hazardous materials and utility cutoffs. Maps, photos and other data are entered into a computer program, which emergency crews can refer to as they drive to a shooting, fire, explosion or other emergency, said Prepared Response spokesman Gary Sabol. What's the current status? Before the school year ends, emergency responders should have immediate access to more than 300 pieces of information about each campus online or on a laptop before they get there. Who has access to the information? Law enforcement and other emergency workers will be able to see the number and location of windows, doors, stairwells, hazardous materials, utility cutoffs and other information from district campuses and offices. Officials have restricted interior building data to key school and emergency workers. What else can the program can be used for? Any emergency from a school shooting to a fire. "Our job is difficult enough as it as," said River Oaks Fire Chief Bill Crews. "It's even more difficult when the building's filled with smoke. If someone comes out and says it's in this room and we're able to pinpoint it on a map, it's that much easier." What do police say? They approve. "With the click of a mouse, I'm in control of information," said River Oaks Police Sgt. S.A. de Cento. "I know the best alignment to go forward with whatever operation we need, whether it's a fire, a chemical spill or a hostage situation."
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