Anchorage, Alaska
November 4, 2005
The primary ORI contribution has been the OREISTM software suite for the emergency response community providing information on hazardous materials contents and response guidance. QUALCOMM has significantly expanded the Alaska coverage area of the OmniTRACS® mobile communications solution, a satellite-based truck tracking system that offers pinpoint location of vehicles and other features such as an optional driver panic button to alert authorities.
In demonstrating the benefits provided by integrating vehicle tracking, safety, and communications capabilities for hazardous materials carriers with valuable information on how best to respond to potential hazardous material incidents, today’s event will showcase the initial results from the two enterprises combining their respective technologies.
In the demo, a Carlile Transportation System truck driver will activate the OmniTRACS panic button, setting off a series of alerts and messages to emergency responders through the Operation Respond network. This driver will also conduct an unauthorized disconnect of a trailer from the tractor. Again a series of alerts and messages will be conveyed to the local emergency responders. This demonstration will display both the system integration and the improved response timeline, efficiency, and safety benefits to the responders, carriers, and communities that result from providing timely and accurate information to emergency responders to help locate the incident and know what chemicals are on board before arriving at the scene.
At the conclusion of the demonstration, a written survey will be distributed to the participants. This survey will help provide feedback to ORI and QUALCOMM on how well the new system meets the needs of responders and the safety practices of carriers, and potentially influence future enhancements.
This demonstration is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, as part of their mission to improve motor carrier safety. Also cooperating is Carlile Transportation Systems, the Alaska State Wide Hazardous Materials Working Group and Operation Respond’s network operator the Emergency Services Information Network Corporation (ESINC).
For questions or additional information contact
| Daniel Collins | Kate Himot | (202) 548-0935 | (858) 651-6457 |
| danc@oreis.org | khimot@qualcomm.com |