Situational Awareness For Emergency Response (or S.A.F.E.R.) is a unique program that gives Frisco firefighters, EMTs and police officers immediate access to school building information -- including 'real time' video – while heading to campus emergencies at any of the district's schools. Using their MDCs (Mobile Data Computers), Frisco's first responders can view school floor plans, campus photos – taken inside and out -- and aerial maps, plus lists of onsite hazardous chemicals, contact information for school administrators and 'live' video of hallways and common areas. This innovative tool is available to firefighters and police officers with a touch of a screen or select of a 'mouse' from inside their squad cars, fire trucks and ambulances. It allows first responders to begin planning how to handle the emergency even before they arrive at the school. Saving time can mean saving lives and property.
While the video capability is currently available only through a partnership with the school district, the City's first responders also have access to pre-planned information on commercial businesses, public facilities and infrastructure. All of this information comes together in one platform so police, fire and EMS are all working from the same data.
Prior to S.A.F.E.R., first responders relied on paper maps, lists and documents. Now all the information is available electronically. Select school administrators and staff have access, as well, and are charged with inputting and keeping data current, such as contact information. S.A.F.E.R. was developed by the City of Frisco's Information Technology Services (ITS) Department, which spent a year doing research, integrating a half dozen existing databases and developing a seamless data access program. The data is not only available to first responders, but is also accessible to special operations, in the Mobile Command Center, and at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
In 2009, the FISD and the City of Frisco entered into an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) for S.A.F.E.R. FISD dedicated $400,000 for software and development while the City of Frisco contributed research, development and training hours involving the Fire, Police and ITS departments.