NCJ Number
211101
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 24,26,28,30
Date Published
July 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article explores how building automation systems (BAS) could convey vital emergency information to outside first responders.
Abstract
Most commercial buildings have networked communication systems that control a myriad of functions within the building, such as heat and lights. The type of information stored inside these networked systems could conceivably provide vital information to emergency first responders about the location of smoke and fire in a building, the location of occupants, which lights are on, and which elevators are in working order. BAS systems have seen vast improvements over the past few decades and, in time, such systems will allow first responders to know what is going on inside a building before they reach the scene, providing them with the information needed to formulate an effective plan of action. The way in which BAS systems operate is described as the author outlines the possibilities for BAS systems to communicate with emergency responder personnel en route to the scene. The involvement of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of communication systems is recalled, including their involvement in the 1980s development of the leading building automation protocol, which allows various building control systems to communicate and share information with one another. Current NIST projects are described. Exhibits