Emergency Management software available

24 March 2005

NZSTA makes Emergency Management software available to schools

New Zealand School Trustees Association says schools can be well prepared for emergencies by taking advantage of special software.

General Manager Ray Newport says schools currently have access to Emergency Management software that helps them prepare for emergency situations. His comments follow police saying they would like schools to be better equipped to deal with emergencies.

He says NZSTA, in conjunction with Emergency Management Associates, recommends that schools adopt the NZSTA Benchmark for Emergency Preparedness in Schools.

“This benchmark provides a web-based tool that helps school staff identify and store the emergency information that will be required in the event of a major event happening at or near a school.

Ray Newport says the template is simple to use, with schools filling out their relevant information. This information is held both on and off the school site, and is also stored in a secure web server which is instantly available 24/7 to 111 call centres

“One of the great advantages of having this web-based system is that schools can allow for their information to be accessed by emergency services instantly. They can have information, such as school plans, before they attend the emergency.

“Clearly this is invaluable when the school is in an emergency mode, which is a time that clear, accurate and timely factual information is needed most.”

The Benchmark Emergency management software is available to all schools through NZSTA, at a small annual subscription cost. The Benchmark is also currently available for a trial and acceptance period for four weeks - at no cost.

ENDS

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