High Rise Escape Systems (HRES), a recognized Winner in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program for Five Consecutive Years, is pleased to announce the company’s Guardian Self Evacuation & Rescue System, has been nominated to compete in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
Ryan Alles, the Founder of HRES, spent over a decade in U.S. emergency services as an EMT and professional Firefighter.
Frustrated and angered by the events of September 11, 2001, which proved once again how slow evacuations from high-rise structures can have fatal consequences, he worked to create solutions that the average citizen can afford.
Did you know that ninety-nine percent of the world’s fire ladder trucks cannot reach above the 7th floor?
(High Rise Escape Systems, Inc. was asked to contribute to Daily Planet’s 10th Anniversary Special on 9/11 on the Discovery Channel. We were proud to help get the word out about advances in Supplemental Evacuation since the events of September 11th, 2001. Courtesy of the Discovery Channel, Ryan Alles and YouTube.)
HRES has a passion for helping others.
Made up of emergency service professionals, EMTs, and professional firefighters, HRES believes that in today’s complex environment, it is irresponsible to believe that in times of danger, emergency services will be obtainable, timely, and equipped to provide rescue from multi-story buildings, air traffic control towers (ATC), or other critical infrastructure environments.
The Guardian Escape System provides simple, reliable, and inexpensive solutions for self-evacuation and rescue so that people can truly plan two ways out.
Step by Step – How it Works
The Guardian Escape System works by using a combination of several simple, low-tech devices, that require no power, are inexpensive, have a long shelf-life, and are easy to use.
HRES Escape Systems are available in either permanent or portable solutions for easy attachment to a structure.
Each of the systems incorporates a Controlled Descent Device (CDD), which works like a pulley. Each CDD incorporates a poly-steel cable with a neoprene inner lining and a braided polyester jacket to protect it against abrasion, moisture, and heat.
Cable lengths are currently available up to 1000 feet (305 meters) or about 100 floors. Other options are available for locations exceeding these heights.
In operation, a user slides an Escape Harness over themselves, climbs over their balcony or window, and the CDD slowly lowers them automatically at the rate of 3 ft per second, which is comparable to the descent of a slow elevator.
As they descend, the opposite end of the cable automatically retracts and reloads the CDD for the next evacuee.
Then the process repeats.
Everyone gets out.
Escape harnesses are permanently attached at each end of the cable, and full fire-resistant evacuation suits are also available.
The Guardian Escape System is a simple, reliable, and cost-friendly solution for emergency response – so that you and the ones that you are responsible for always have two ways out.
HRES also offers heat-resistant evacuation suits to complement HRES systems and may be used in place of other harnesses for rescuers as they are oversized and simple to put on either yourself or other.
HRES harnesses and Fire Resistant Evacuation Suits are attached to a harness with heavy-duty Kevlar thread and connect to the CDD with a high-strength carabineer.
Designed with senior citizens, the mobility impaired, and the disabled communities in mind, they can also accommodate an adult and child together and are made up of an Aluminized, Kevlar-style material that repels 95% of radiant heat.
HRES Fire Resistant Evacuation Suits are especially effective for assisted evacuation & rescue solutions for hospitals, facilities for disabled persons, child care facilities, and nursing homes.
Evacuation Suits offer:
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Fire Protection
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Abrasion Protection
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Reduced fear of height for the victim
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Can be put on much faster with less confusion
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Doesn’t get tangled like other harnesses
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Can be used with traditional rope rescue methods
The award-winning Guardian Escape System is ideal solution for self-evacuation & rescue solutions for anyone living or working above the 2nd floor, and are widely utilized in government buildings, embassies, barracks, and air traffic control centers.
The Guardian Escape System is also an ideal solution for self-evacuation, assisted evacuation & rescue solutions for apartments, condominiums, and hotels, as well as theme parks, cranes, oil platforms and ships.
The United States military has been utilizing Guardian Escape Systems on air traffic control towers such as Edwards AFB, Tinker AFB, Maxwell AFB, and Patrick AFB, as well as Army and Air National Guard installations such as Alpena CRTC and Grayling Air Gunnery Range.
Together with your support, HRES is proud to protect those who protect us all!
(The 7th Operation Support Squadron air traffic control tower demonstrates their new fire escape system from High Rise Escape Systems, which uses a swing arm and a pulley system to safely lower personnel to the ground in case of an emergency. This device is much safer than taking the stairs or the elevator. Courtesy of Dyess AFB and YouTube.)
Alles was appointed to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Building Code/Safety to Life Technical Committee on which he still serves.
He is also a founding member of the Safe Evacuation Coalition, and participating member on the American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) E06.77 committee on Supplemental Evacuation Devices.
Alles is also a member of the International Counter-Terrorism Officers Association (IACSP).
High Rise Escape Systems‘ current qualifications include:
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National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Textbook example of Supplemental Evacuation Equipment – Life Safety Code Handbook
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The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has approved these products for their Tailored Logistics Support Program (TLS) to support our warfighters
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U.S. DHS / Safety Act – Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology designation in 2007 to Present
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NFPA Building & Life Safety Code / Means of Egress Section
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DHS/Responder Knowledge Base – Registered Participant
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Safe Evacuation Coalition – Founder & Member Est. 2006
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International Counter-Terrorism Officers Association Member
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ASTM E2484 Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices–Member/Participant
Over the last decade High Rise Escape Systems have evolved into an international team dedicated to creating solutions that are adaptable to your individual needs and expectations.
The company prides itself on providing confidential installations, as many of our clients utilize these technologies as part of their family’s personal security rather than a secondary means of fire escape.
To Learn More, please visit https://www.highriseescapesystems.com/ and ensure you and your associates always have two ways out.
High Rise Escape Systems Returns to Compete in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
High Rise Escape Systems
Best Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Recovery System
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Guardian Evacuation System
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The Guardian Evacuation System developed a fixed and/or portable escape system to attach to a structure, designed to mitigate means of egress for anyone living or working above the 2nd floor, including government buildings, embassies, barracks, hospitals, air traffic control towers, apartments, condominiums, hotels, industrial and job sites, theme parks, cranes, oil platforms, ships and more.
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High Rise Escape Systems (HRES) accomplished this in a combination of several simple, low-tech devices that require no power, are inexpensive, have a long shelf-life, and are easy to use.
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The United States Military has been utilizing High Rise Escape Systems Guardian Escape Systems on Air Traffic Control Towers for years, which includes the Ellsworth AFB, Dyess AFB, Vandenburg AFB, Edwards AFB, Tinker AFB, Maxwell AFB and Patrick AFB as well as Army and Air National Guard installations such as Alpena CRTC, Grayling Air Gunnery Range & Selfridge ANG.
(As always, HRES is proud to assist any organization that is addressing safety concerns for occupants of multi-story buildings. Supplemental Evacuation is a perfect solution for buildings above the reach of FD Ladder Trucks. What’s your plan for escape? Courtesy of the American Red Cross, which was also recognized in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program; Ryan Alles, and YouTube.)
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*HRES was also recognized in the 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Awards Programs, respectively.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.
The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.
In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.
Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.
Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.
The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS), New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, and guardDog AI, and returning Sponsors ATI Systems, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
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ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)
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Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
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The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
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Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
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DHS Science & Technology (S&T)
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The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)
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The American Red Cross
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The InfraGard National Alliance
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The Metropolitan Police (MPD)
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The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
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Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
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The Federal Air Marshals Service
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The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!
Register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today
American Security Today is delighted to announce, that Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will be the opening keynote speaker at the much-anticipated 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022.
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
To take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to invite your team, guests, clients, and show visitors to a gourmet, affordable, plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table. ***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East where you can meet the world’s most innovative suppliers and cyber experts, immerse yourself in hands-on tech and learn from world-renowned speakers and thought-leaders.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
