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Port of Olympia is First U.S. Marine Terminal to Deploy Rapid Responder Crisis Management System

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 February 2006, 09:00 CST

The Port of Olympia marine terminal in Washington state has recently deployed new technology to facilitate pre-planning for emergencies and to assist first responders during a wide variety of emergency situations. The Rapid Responder(R) system, developed by Seattle-based Prepared Response, Inc., will provide emergency responders with instant access to critical information about the Port's 60-acre terminal facility. The Port will be the first marine terminal in the U.S. to use the Rapid Responder software.

The Rapid Responder system runs on laptop computers and mobile data terminals allowing first responders to instantly access more than 300 data points, including tactical response plans, satellite and geospatial imagery, exterior and interior photos, floor plans, utility shut-off locations, and hazardous chemical inventories and locations. As part of this implementation, Olympia Police and Fire, as well as the Thurston County Sheriff's Office collaborated with Port officials to create new and integrated response plans for the port. All of this information now securely resides in the Port's Rapid Responder system and is accessible by all authorized first responders via the Web, laptop computers, and portable USB storage devices.

"The Port has always been dedicated to the safety of our longshoremen, customers, staff and cargo," said Ed Galligan, Port Executive Director. "We work closely with our security personnel and local first responders to ensure a safe and secure facility. This crisis management system will enable emergency personnel to respond quicker, safer, and in a coordinated manner."

"We are very excited about deploying the Rapid Responder system with the Port of Olympia," said Jim Finnell, president and CEO of Prepared Response. "Olympia will be the first port in the U.S. to utilize this type of emergency response solution and demonstrates the Port's commitment to crisis management as part of Washington state's critical infrastructure."

About Prepared Response, Inc.

Prepared Response Inc. develops crisis management planning and response systems that enable police, fire, and other emergency responders to save lives and mitigate property damage. The company's flagship product, Rapid Responder, runs on laptop computers and allows first responders to instantly access more than 300 site-specific data points, including tactical plans, floor plans, satellite and geospatial imagery, interior, and exterior photos, staging areas, hazardous materials locations, utility shut-offs, and evacuation routes for virtually any facility. The Rapid Responder system protects more than 5,200 facilities and is currently being deployed in educational facilities, public buildings, critical infrastructure, and private facilities across the U.S.

The privately held company, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, was formed in September 2000. Additional information can be found at www.preparedresponse.com or by calling 800-705-1856.

Source: Business Wire

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