Cal Expo becomes the First Exposition Center in the Nation to Install Rapid Responder Crisis Management System

SACRAMENTO, CA-- June 21, 2006 -- The California Exposition & State Fair (Cal Expo) announced today that it is the first exposition center in the nation to install the Rapid Responder® crisis management system at its facility. With more than 2.5 million attendees at Cal Expo events each year, including the annual California State Fair, the system will be instrumental for law enforcement and emergency teams that respond to safety issues related to event management, bio-terrorism and more. 

“We are taking a proactive approach to crisis management and will be utilizing this system to enhance existing safety measures at Cal Expo,” said Norbert J. Bartosik, Cal Expo CEO and General Manager.

The Rapid Responder crisis management system gives emergency responders instant access to key information about the facility, allowing police and fire to respond quickly and in a coordinated manner with other agencies.

The Rapid Responder system, developed by Prepared Response, Inc. of Seattle, gives emergency responders 24/7 access to more than 300 data points about the complex, including tactical response plans, satellite and geospatial (GIS) information, exterior and interior photos, floor plans, utility shut-off locations, and hazardous chemical inventories and locations.

“This system will further enhance our already high level of security for both the visitors and the Cal Expo infrastructure,” said Robert Craft, Chief of Police at Cal Expo.

In addition to the major events that are held at Cal Expo, the site also serves as a staging area for floods and other disasters.

Cal Expo has been designated as a potential public evacuation site in the event of an emergency for the following reasons: 

• LOCATION: Cal Expo is in close proximity to freeways, military bases, and the Capitol. 

• SIZE: Cal Expo’s unique size and layout allow it to accommodate anywhere from 25,000 – 40,000 people or more during a disaster on any given day. 

• SECURITY: Cal Expo’s full-time Police Force is on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Cal Expo Police Department employs more than 250 sworn police officers (many of which are also employed by other agencies) as well as approximately 150 unarmed security officers.

In the event of an emergency, the Cal Expo Police Department works closely with other law enforcement and public agencies to secure the site and ensure that all necessary precautions are met.

The state-of-the-art Rapid Responder system will enable the Cal Expo Police Department and other first responders to address the myriad of emergency situations that could occur, including post-9/11 terrorism or natural disasters.

“This is an important project for the Sacramento region,” said Jim Finnell, president and CEO of Prepared Response, Inc. “Cal Expo is a high profile venue and we want to give police and fire the tools they need to protect attendees and structures on the property.”

Cal Expo is a 350-acre multi-use facility that includes fairgrounds, a race track, an RV Park, a water park and event facilities. The site hosts dozens of major events throughout the year including the annual California State Fair, which will take place from August 11 – September 4, 2006.

The Rapid Responder system is also currently protecting Sacramento-area schools in the San Juan Unified School District and will soon be installed in the Sacramento City Unified School District.

For more information about Cal Expo, please visit www.calexpo.com or contact Amber Bagwell at 916-263-3237 or abagwell@calexpo.com. For more information about Prepared Response, Inc., please contact Gary Sabol at 206-240-6439 or gsabol@preparedresponse.com.