Computer A New Tool For Firefighters
Using a $40,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Danville (Ill.) Fire Department has purchased a new portable computer system that allows fire fighters to access information faster.
For example, the computer system will allow fire fighters at the scene of an emergency to view floor plans to commercial buildings, find information about dangerous chemicals, and file useful information while on the scene.
The information will be accessible through seven Panasonic Toughbook Tablet PCs that will eventually be placed aboard the department’s fire engines.
The grant money was also used to purchase six digital cameras and five portable printers.
Fire fighters who use the computer system will be able to view information about what types of hazardous materials are being stored inside a given building, and the printers can be used to print floor plans or chemical information. The technology is expected to be useful during toxic spills and other emergencies.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Champaign News-Gazette (IL) (07/31/05); Williams, Matt .
