Company News Software Training Links FAQs Contact Home		Frequently Asked Questions about ORI What is the mission of ORI? Operation Respond® is striving to take technology and apply it to conventional uses. The OREISTM software program is the focus of our work, bringing state-of-the-art technology to the emergency response community. How does OREIS® work? The first responder visually identifies a trailer, then accesses OREIS TM through an onboard laptop or local emergency communications center. OREISTM connects to the specific carrier's database, supplying the first responder with an electronic verification of the cargo, immediate hazards, instructions on emergency actions, and emergency contacts. OREISTM is designed to be simple and fast, promoting easy to use placard and UN number emergency response guidelines.  The program compliments existing systems, like Chemtrec and Chemtel. What else does ORI do? Operation Respond® is also involved in other aspects of emergency response, like training emergency workers how to properly respond to a freight or passenger rail incident. The safety and security training course is an integral part of the ORI program because it ensures that first responders will not only be able to access the necessary information in an emergency, they will know what to do with that information. ORI has recently completed training emergency workers along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and is currently performing training along a VIA Rail line in Canada. What is ORI working on now? Operation Respond® is currently working on many new and exciting initiatives.   Among these are some great new features to the OREIS TM software still in the developmental phase. Programmers are hard at work on an emergency rail access feature, as well as a version of OREIS TM that would serve the chemical plant and warehouse community. For recent updates on the innovations being developed at ORI, see our news page. Where is OREISTM? The OREISTM software is currently used in over 1,200 emergency response centers in 43 states. It has also been distributed in Mexico and Canada. Does OREISTM require expensive equipment? No, OREISTM works on low-cost standard PCs. Does OREISTM run off the Internet? Phase I of the OREISTM Internet application has been launched. This includes all stand-alone information contained in OREIS TM, like passenger rail schematics, placard symbols and chemical databases. For existing customers already registered, this can accessed at www.oreis.org. Phase II, which will include the full OREIS TM application including hazmat connections, will be launched soon. Is OREISTM Internet secure? Yes. ORI programmers are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure a fast and secure direct connection to carrier databases. Is technical support available for emergency responders? Yes, Operation Respond® has a staff of programmers dedicated to technical support -- 1-800-764-7062. Is training available for emergency responders? Yes, a training and instruction manual is included with the software. Does OREISTM need an outside phone line? Yes, an outside line and modem are needed for registration and access to the carrier databases. The Internet version will eliminate the need for a modem. Are all OREISTM features accessed over a phone line? No, there are many stand-alone features like placards, chemical databases, passenger train schematics, emergency phone numbers, etc. How secure is the carrier data? Access is restricted to license holders, police, fire, medical emergency services and participating carriers. Is carrier participation expensive? No, participating carriers spend no more than 40 hours in a one time programming effort. Does OREISTM replace CHEMTREC or CANUTEC? No, it compliments these organizations by assisting in the chemical verification process. Are there any new motor carriers joining the program? Yes, Operation Respond® is working closely with several carriers. The newest addition is W.W. Rowland.