by Jbs121409 f3 — December 16, 2009—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has launched Virtual USA, an information-sharing initiative developed in collaboration with the emergency response community and state and local governments across the nation, that helps federal, state, local and tribal first responders communicate during emergencies.
Virtual USA links disparate tools and technologies in order to share the location and status of critical assets and information—such as power and water lines, flood detectors, helicopter-capable landing sites, emergency vehicle and ambulance locations, weather and traffic conditions, evacuation routes, and school and government building floor plans—across federal, state, local and tribal governments.
DHS says Virtual USA integrates existing frameworks and investments; draws on local input; employs a comprehensive approach; provides a flexible, accessible platform; and involves everyone—Americans in their own communities can contribute information in real time to support the efforts of first responders and emergency managers.
Part of the White House Open Government Initiative, Virtual USA currently operates as a pilot in eight states—Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia and Tennessee—with plans underway to incorporate additional states. In Virginia alone, Virtual USA has reduced response times to incidents involving hazardous materials by 70 percent, says DHS.
For more information, visit the DHS Web site.
