First responder deaths related to COVID-19 are up this year, and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports 22* confirmed on-duty firefighter deaths attributed to COVID-19, making it the leading cause of death so far this year.
And in the midst of ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic 1,000 of our nation’s firefighters have been furloughed, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) predicts that number will reach over 30,000 by 2022.
These projected layoffs and furloughs are the largest cuts seen in modern times, and are a direct result of budget cuts directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the increasing strain on public services in response to the ongoing global pandemic, the professional firefighters, EMTs and emergency service professionals that make up High Rise Escape Systems, believe it is irresponsible to believe emergency services will be obtainable, timely and equipped to provide rescue from multi-story buildings, Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers or other critical infrastructure environments.
In fact, 99% of the world’s fire ladder trucks cannot reach above 75 feet (7 stories).
High Rise Escape Systems, a Multi-‘ASTORS’ Award Winner and the Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner for Best Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Recovery System, provides simple, reliable and inexpensive solutions for self-evacuation and rescue so that people can actually plan two ways out.
Supplemental Evacuation is not limited solely to commercial, residential or industrial applications.
These are diverse enough to play an important role on cruise ships and theme parks alike.
For years now, the United States Military has been utilizing High Rise Escape Systems Guardian Escape Systems on Air Traffic Control Towers such as 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.
These are designed to mitigate means of egress for anyone living or working above the 2nd floor, including: Government Buildings, Embassies, Barracks, Hospitals, Disabled Individuals, Nursing Homes, Air Traffic Control Towers, Apartments, Condominiums, Hotels, Industrial, Job Sites, Theme Parks, Cranes, Oil Platforms, and Ships.
High Rise Escape Systems accomplishes this by using a combination of several simple, low-tech devices. They require no power, are inexpensive, have a long shelf-life and are easy to use.
The company has developed fixed and portable Escape Systems to attach to a structure.
Each System incorporates a Controlled Descent Device, commonly referred to as a “CDD”. The CDD works like a pulley.
In operation, a user slides an Escape Harness over them, climbs over their balcony or out a window and the CDD slowly lowers them automatically at the rate of 3 feet per second.
This speed can be compared to 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 so Everyone Gets Out.
Escape Harnesses are permanently attached at each end of the cable and full fire-resistant Evacuation Suits are available.
Each CDD incorporates a poly-steel cable with a neoprene inner lining and 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.
High Rise Escape Systems has also developed Evacuation Suits for use with the CDD, designed with senior citizens, mobility impaired and the disabled communities in mind.
These suits are simple to put on and simple to put on others.
They are oversized for adult and child together if necessary and made up of an Aluminized, Kevlar-style material that repels 95% of radiant heat.
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 2015-2017 Edition pages 1216, 1217 (three pictures total)
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The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has approved our products for their Tailored Logistics Support Program (TLS) to support our warfighters
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Safety Act – Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology designation in 2007 to Present
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NFPA Building & Life Safety Code / Means of Egress Section – Technical Committee Appointee 2007 to Present
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Department of Homeland Security / Responder Knowledge Base – Registered Participant
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American Security Today – 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards – Platinum & Gold Winners of “Best Disaster Preparedness Product”
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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
USAF Global Strike Command approached the company requiring an escape system for their ATC Tower specific to their individual needs. The system had to be placed in a particular location, and situated so that it could not block the runway view for their ATC Controllers.
To address their requirements, High Rise Escape Systems created a folding anchor post which is demonstrated in this short video posted by the Dyess AFB public affairs department following the installation.
(See the 7th Operation Support Squadron air traffic control tower install their new fire escape system – by only a single person. The new device 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. See it in action here. Courtesy of Dyess AFB and YouTube.)
High Rise Escape Systems Takes Platinum in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is in its Fifth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC has been canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
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 Inc. (HRES) was founded by Ryan Alles in 2005, after having spent over a decade in the U.S. emergency services as both an EMT and professional Fire Fighter.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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Using a Controlled Descent Device (CDD) which works like a pulley, a user slides a one of two permanently attached escape harnesses over them, exits off of a balcony/roof structure or out of a window and the CDD slowly lowers them automatically at the rate of 3 feet per second.
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As the first user descends, the opposite end of the cable automatically retracts and reloads the CDD with the remaining escape harness for the next evacuee.
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Then the process repeats. Everyone gets out.
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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.
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*HRES was also recognized with in the 2019, 2018 and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Awards Programs.
Frustrated and angered by the events of September 11th, 2001, which demonstrated how slow evacuations from high rise structures can be of the fatal consequence, he worked to create solutions that the average citizen can afford.
Over the last decade HRES team has become an international team dedicated to creating solutions that are adaptable to your individual needs and expectations.
The company prides themselves on providing confidential installations, as many of their clients utilize these technologies as part of their family’s personal security rather than a secondary means of fire escape.
To Learn More about these affordable, life-saving systems please visit https://www.highriseescapesystems.com/.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Expositions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2019.
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.
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 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
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘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 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.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please be on the lookout for the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It will be your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and 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 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitgate 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 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information about the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards or All Things American Security Today, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
*Gartner, “Market Guide for Emergency/Mass Notification Services Solutions”, Roberta Witty, David Gregory, Brent Predovich, Mike Gotta, November 24, 2020.
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Firefighters & EMS Hit with Record-Breaking Layoffs Due to COVID-19
