November 30, 2005—Intelligent building systems may someday allow firefighters and other first responders to better respond to emergencies by providing information such as building floor plans and real-time data from motion, heat, biochemical and other sensors and video cameras, says the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
NIST researchers are studying how intelligent building systems can be used by firefighters, police and other first responders to accurately assess emergency conditions in real time. One of the biggest problems faced by first responders is a lack of accurate information. Where is the fire within the building? How big is it? Are there flammable chemicals stored nearby?
NIST is working with industry to develop standards to allow manufacturers to create intelligent building systems that use various types of communication networks (including wireless networks) to assist first responders in assessing and mitigating emergencies. The systems would send information such as building floor plans and data from motion, heat, biochemical and other sensors and video cameras directly to fire and police dispatchers who then can communicate detailed information about the scene to first responders.
NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency that promotes innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology.
NIST recently released video presentations that demonstrate how an Intelligent Building Response program would work. The videos outline team efforts to create a system of interoperable data content and communications standards that would link first responders with intelligent building systems. Information on the program and downloadable video presentations are available online.
