Linda Sharp, Project Director for CoSN’s Cyber Security and IT Crisis Preparedness Initiative

CoSN was pleased to have the opportunity to hold an emergency preparedness webinar with NextGenWeb. The informative discussion addressed broadband as a key player in helping schools prepare for emergencies and communicate and share vital information when crisis hits a campus. During the webinar, we heard from experts in this area:

• Tom Soroka, USTelecom
• Robert J. Gravina serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the Poway Unified School District, CA
• Tom McDonald, CEO of BeSafe Technologies
• Kevin Carman, AT&T’s Education Segment Marketing Manager

All were able to touch on the broadband-enabled technologies and tools that help schools prepare for and respond to emergencies. Tom Soroka addressed the need for rapid communications and all of the different organizations that need to be connected in real-time—first responders, public safety officials, public safety call centers, hospitals, and government agencies.

Robert Gravina helped participants understand the benefits of remote learning. Broadband can help students continue with their schoolwork at times when they may not be able to learn in the classroom.

Tom McDonald addressed the need for coordination and how readily available information can help first responders make critical decisions. Messaging tools that allow schools to broadcast information and the ability to access information about facilities—floor plans, building features, digital photo and occupant information all help to save lives.

Kevin Carmen provided some interesting information on the types of new tools we have at our fingertips. We now have school bus tracking systems that help track where buses are and also the names of children on a specific bus at any given time. Interactive websites are also helping schools prevent emergencies by allowing students to share anonymous information about potential violence, drug abuse or other potential threats.

These are just some of the highlights from the webinar. As you can see, broadband is helping to improve safety, so that schools can keep the focus on learning and being prepared for any type of emergency.

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