Articles
Web-based emergency response system demonstrated for congressman, school officials, sheriff
Cambridge,
January 29, 2013
School officials form three counties joined Congressman Bill Johnson, R- 6th District, Monday at the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center in Cambridge to discuss school safety measures and hear about the web-based emergency response system, NaviGate Prepared, as offered by the New Philadelphia based Lauren Innovations.
Daily-Jeff
By Rick Stillion Published Tuesday, January 29, 2013 School officials form three counties joined Congressman Bill Johnson, R- 6th District, Monday at the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center in Cambridge to discuss school safety measures and hear about the web-based emergency response system, NaviGate Prepared, as offered by the New Philadelphia based Lauren Innovations. The program, a version of Lauren Innovations NaviGate for businesses was recently made available to schools in response to school shootings across the United States, especially the recent shootings in Ohio and Sandy Hook, Conn. “To say this is critical. To say this is the hottest thing on our plate, is an under statement,” said Bob Fogler, former Indian Valley Schools Superintendent and education consultant for Lauren Innovations.” This program is a difference maker for public school districts. It’s no longer a matter of if (Something is going to happen), It’s a matter of when and where. “Why are they (Shootings) happening? We don’t know but they are and the one thing we can do is prepare ourselves. We truly cannot guarantee a child’s safety all the time, but when an incident occurs we can take the appropriate steps and take those steps as quickly as possible. Every minute we can save lessens the risk of the loss of student lives.” NaviGate Prepared is a proven emergency response system that uses advanced web-based technology to give first responders immediate, eyes-on access to critical information, including maps, floor plans, emergency protocols, call lists and even live video feeds from the schools. During any emergency, first responders can access emergency plans before they even arrive on site, thus reducing assessment time and expediting intelligent action. “We have made this out mission the year,” said Dr. Bennett Fierman, Lauren Innovations president. “We want this before as many schools district as possible and we want it up and running in as many school districts as possible. We want to create a collaboration between the districts and first responders in order to capture what is important to the first responders in the event of an emergency.” The cost of the program is $3,000 per district the initial year, and $1,000 annually for system maintenance and training. Guernsey County Sherriff Mike McCauley also attended the informational meeting and questioned Fierman on several aspects of NaviGuard Prepared. “This is one of the best things I have seen coming for the schools.” said McCauley. McCauley asked Johnson to pursuer ways to help fund school districts without camera systems to purchase cameras to enhance security Johnson also participated in the question and answer session with Lauren Innovations officials. Schools in Guernsey, Monroe, and Washington counties were represented including Rolling Hill Local School District Superintendent, Ryan Caldwell. NaviGate has been Safety Act designated as an anti-terror-ism level technology by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. |
