Here’s an exciting chunk of news to digest before the long weekend:
Slippery Rock University (SRU) and Metis Secure Solutions, LLC entered into an agreement to install a state-of-the-art, location-based emergency notification system at the University.
SRU will be the first public University to install the Metis Secure system, which was recently named the 2009 Technology Innovation of the Year by Campus Technology Magazine. The system allows authorized University personnel to send detailed instructions to alerting devices in specific locations in less than 10 seconds. Each device is also equipped with a unique two-way “Call for Help” ability by which a student can press a button to automatically send a request for help directly to the University Police.
“The Metis Secure system is a faster, more accurate, more comprehensive solution for emergency notification than any system on the market,” said Mark Kurtzrock, Metis Secure president and CEO. “We emphasize getting information to the students and others on campus when they need it most. And, we put a ‘Call for Help’ within arm’s reach. Our technology platform is based on independence and redundancy, ensuring that the University will have the ability to communicate emergency information under the toughest conditions.” Kurtzrock said the system uses three primary, independent data paths – FM-RBDS sub-carrier, wireless mesh network and wired Ethernet to communicate. When activated, the Metis Secure devices come alive with flashing multi-colored lights, siren, recorded human voice and text display, providing an information rich warning to the campus population.
Initially, the emergency alert units will be installed in 15 academic buildings this year.
