Problem:
In an emergency, one of the biggest problems faced by first responders is a lack of accurate information. Where is the fire within the building? How big is it? Are there flammable chemicals stored nearby?
Smart Solution:
Intelligent" building systems
The best response to a building emergency is a fast and informed one. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA is working with the building industry as well as the public safety and information technology communities to achieve both objectives.
NIST researchers are studying how "intelligent" building systems can be used by firefighters, police and other first responders to accurately assess emergency conditions in real-time.
NIST is also working with industry to develop standards to allow manufacturers to create intelligent building systems that use various types of communication networks (including wireless networks) to assist first responders in assessing and mitigating emergencies.
The systems would send information such as building floor plans and data from motion, heat, biochemical and other sensors and video cameras directly to fire and police dispatchers who then can communicate detailed information about the scene to first responders.
NIST recently released video presentations that demonstrate how an "Intelligent Building Response" program would work. The videos outline team efforts to create a system of interoperable data content and communications standards that would link first responders with "intelligent" building systems. Firefighters are shown using laptops to track the spread of a developing fire on a floor plan even before reaching the scene. Other real-time building sensor information includes status information concerning a specific building's mechanical systems, elevators, lighting, security system and fire systems, the locations of building occupants, and temperature and smoke conditions.
Funding:
The Intelligent Building Response research is made possible by funding from the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office through NIST's Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES). Public safety and building technology representatives are welcome to join the standards development effort. Information on the program and downloadable video presentations are available at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/ibr
Contact:
John Blair; john.blair@nist.gov
telephone 301-975-4261
© 2005 Walter Derzko Expert, Consultant and Guest Speaker on emerging Smart Technologies, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Lateral Creative Thinking and author of an upcoming book on the Smart Economy " To explore the opportunities and threats of any new smart technology in your industry - Contact Me .....Strategy without action is a day-dream; action without strategy is a nightmare" - old Japanese proverb P. S. if this is your first visit to my blog, please go to our Welcome page.
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