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standards sources. With all data streaming into a single information repository, these solutions reduce redundant data collec- tion and entry. Authorized users do not need to log in and out of multiple systems to input and access critical information.
They can pull up camera views, map over- lays, analytics, and other applications all on a unified screen -- a significant time saver. Equally important, they can push critical sit- uational information and visuals to respond- ers’ mobile devices before they arrive on the scene and provide ongoing details as more in- formation streams into the command center.
By leveraging all their technologies to create a logical and consistent workflow for emergency response, smart cities can maximize the value of data, drive depart- mental efficiencies and allow cross-depart- mental collaboration which ultimately leads to a safer community.
With a large repository of data and ana- lytic tools at their fingertips, agencies can also accelerate the detection of patterns that previously might have gone unnoticed.
When asked about the Hartford Capi- tal City Command Center (C4), Johnmi- chael O’Hare, a former member of the Hartford Police Department, said, “While we initially focused on solving crime, we’re also finding that our smart city solution can help us recognize areas of the city that might benefit from reengineering.” Some of those discoveries have ultimately led to footbridges being constructed over busy roads and new lanes designated for bicy- cles along certain corridors.
SAVING LIVES WITH NATURAL DISASTER WARNINGS
This comprehensive approach to col- lecting and optimizing data is especially valuable when it comes to community resilience in the face of natural disasters. In those situations, timely alerts and rapid reaction often translate into lives saved.
That is why cities prone to flooding, hazardous road conditions, earthquakes and other catastrophic phenomena often integrate environmental sensors into their smart city solutions as part of their emer- gency preparedness program. With the ad- dition of modern communication assets such as dynamic message boards and mass notification systems, these early warning tools help cities be more proactive in ini- tiating emergency public safety protocols.
Anticipating flood evacuations. In low- lands and coastal regions prone to tropi- cal storms, water level sensors linked to network video cameras monitor rising ground water and send alerts about poten-
tial flooding, allowing the city to initiate pre-planned evacuation procedures before routes become impassable.
Responding to hazardous road condi- tions. Intelligent cameras with onboard analytics can function as Environmental Sensor Stations to detect weather activity – such as torrential rain, snow, sleet, or ice – that will likely lead to hazardous roadway conditions. With early detection, agencies have time to divert traffic to less risky routes, close specific roadways, or issue shelter-in- place advisories for affected areas.
Alerting public to impending earth- quakes. In areas prone to earthquakes, un- derground sensors can provide early detec- tion of seismic activity. They are generally tied into mass notification systems that use IP speakers in public spaces to broad- cast warnings for the community to seek safe shelter before the quake hits.
WHY IP-BASED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS ARE SO EFFECTIVE
An emergency communications solution based on IP technologies makes it possible to integrate multiple agency sub-systems into a unified user experience. It allows a city to drive a more efficient and compre- hensive flow of information to those who need it, when they need it. These solutions are elastic in nature, easily scaling up or down to fit the needs of a specific situation.
They can be set up to regularly self- monitor and automatically notify admin- istrators of failures and outages as they happen. This ensures that problems are discovered and corrected before an event response when reliance on complete sys- tem operability is critical.
Describing his experience with his own city’s real-time command center, Maj. Neil Klotzer of the Atlanta Police Department said the comprehensive solution “demon- strates that working together, we can build a safer, more security city for everyone. And we can do it while respecting the right to individual privacy.”
With ever-increasing challenges faced by public safety and emergency prepared- ness officials, creating a cohesive emergency communications network that fosters inter- agency support and sharing of resources is both a valid, and a valu-
able, path forward.
Kevin Taylor is the busi- ness development manager, Smart Cities, Axis Commu- nications Inc.
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