New technology aimed at improving security

Real Estate Weekly, July 31, 2002 by Parke Chapman

After the Columbine massacre, the federal government issued some findings that included the need for "...a detailed map or schematic of the floor plan with room numbers and functions; contact numbers; fire protection system connections; locations of hazards, utility shutoffs and alarm controls..."

Imagine such a "detailed map" in the hands of firemen at a five-alarm blaze within a major commercial office complex. Or the FBI, as it copes with a hostage crisis within a similar building.

William Belinski has no trouble picturing such a scenario. In fact, his firm--Crisis Technologies, Inc.--is attempting to equip emergency responders with just such a tool. The guiding principle behind his firm is that the first few minutes of any crisis are critical--indecision can cost lives. After Sept. 11, the idea has even greater relevance as we consider myriad threats to our safety that didn't register previously.

"Arming first responders with our technology can mean the difference between an emergency with disastrous consequences, or one brought under control with loss of life and property either minimized or avoided entirely," says Belinski; president and CEO of CTI.

The firm was founded prior to' Sept. 11, which bears mention--since that day a slew of "security" firms have sprung up looking to- seize on newfound security concerns. Not CTI, which is basically a technological portal into the crisis arena.

Belinski equates CTI to "x-ray vision" for those responding to an emergency. The metaphor is apt--by linking up with the CTI site, a police officer/firefighter can get an accurate physical layout of the building in question. If the building contains hazardous materials (volatile chemicals, 'nuclear materials etc.). the CTI site Will explain in great detail how to deal with exposure issues. The CTI portal can be 'accessed via portable laptops and--down the road, according to Belinski--perhaps by a hand held appliance.

"If there are flammable or hazardous materials in the building, the fire department will know immediately--and be able to act accordingly. The same holds true for exits and stairwells," he says.

The technology used by CTI is called IMMS, which stands for Interactive Multi-Media Survey. IMMS provides emergency response units with a simulated "walk through" of the physical arena in question. The nature of hazards, points of entry and exit, utility shutoffs, alarm and HVAC controls are all featured here.

If it sounds like a lot of information to digest quickly--bear in mind that people are using this site during a crisis--Belinski agrees that it is, with one vital caveat.

"We edit down the information--the floor plans are not designed for architects. They are meant to show the important features of the building, not the elaborate structure," says Belinksi.

So far, CTI is being used at several schools and hospitals. The latter are clearly a cause for concern, considering the radioactive materials that many hospitals store. Beyond hospitals and schools, Belinski sees the need for CTI in virtually-any building where people work or live.

Belinski is confident that a $5 to $15 million investment made in his firm today would see returns within 18 months. To be sure, CTI is still seeking capital from investors. The firm has already worked with the Weehawken (New Jersey) School System and the North Hudson Water & Sewage Plant. It's a limited roster of clients, something that Belinski is aware of and determined to change. He hopes to eventually partner with large organizations such as landlords with extensive holdings.

That being said, he also wants to forge partnerships with municipal bodies, such as the New York City Fire Department.

"We are now expanding into the private sector and believe that commercial real estate presents a tremendous market where owners, developers, tenants and first responders who protect them would benefit from our services." said Belinski.