Cultural Organization Implements Crisis Management System

Developed by Prepared Response Inc. of Seattle, Wash., the Rapid Responder system gives facility managers and security teams instant access to more than 300 facility data points, including floor plans, satellite and geospatial (GIS) information, interior and exterior photos, emergency plans, hazardous materials locations, utility shut-offs and evacuation routes to ensure a fast and effective response during emergencies.

The Huntington, located in San Marino in the greater Los Angeles area, is a cultural, research and educational center. The library's rare books and manuscripts constitute one of the largest and most extensively used research collections in America outside of the Library of Congress. In addition to the library, the 200-acre site includes museum galleries botanical gardens and support facilities.

"Rapid Responder appealed to us because it gives us a way to organize and easily update our extensive emergency response data," said Laurie Sowd, associate vice president for Operations at the Huntington.

"Instant access to key emergency information will allow The Huntington's security staff to respond more effectively and in a more coordinated manner with local police and fire during a wide variety of emergencies," said Jim Finnell, president and CEO of Prepared Response. "The system will also add an extra measure of protection for the scholars and general public that visit the institution throughout the year."

Rapid Responder is the only crisis management system to have been certified as a "qualified anti-terrorism technology" through the Department of Homeland Security's SAFETY Act.

In addition, Prepared Response was recently honored with the 2006 Focus on Innovations award by the National Homeland Defense Foundation in Colorado Springs.