Contact FAQ Other Services Basic Package Overview Mission Statement SOS
menubar

 

  1. What is contained in the basic S.O.S. package?
    The following are provided for each facility as output -
    1. Site plans - overall views of the area surrounding the school with the school “footprint”, roads, utility locations, (including fire hydrants) and various other features of interest to emergency responders.
    2. Floor Plans - detailed floor plan layout for each floor with all room and door locations, and other features that may be of interest to emergency responders. The interior layout is color coded into "zones" for rapid identification purposes.
    3. Interior and exterior door signage and decals.
    4. The site and floor plans described above will be provided in
      1. Hard copy format - 1 copy per school, and
      2. CD ROM format (PDF) with software allowing easy viewing using “Acrobat Reader” - 1 copy per school.
    5. A “Crisis Management Manual” (optional) - a generic version of a manual developed and in use at a local school district. It is suggested you use this as a guide in developing a custom manual for your district. This is provided on disk in “Word” format.
  2. How is this an improvement to our current “Crisis Management Plan”?
    Not knowing the content and completeness of your plan, it is difficult to say. However, we have found without exception, that a typical school crises management plan does not offer complete, up-to-date site and floor plan data that should be in the hands of local emergency responders. With the S.O.S. system, you have instant access capability, color-coding, ease of use, update ability, standardized signage, and ability for it to be used for all navigation purposes including evacuation. The S.O.S. system has unique features that will significantly enhance your existing plan.
  3. What existing problems does S.O.S. solve or eliminate?
    In case of crisis, it would not be necessary to deploy an individual to direct the arriving emergency responders to the crisis location. Also, the obvious advantage to the S.O.S. system is the reduction in response time. All safety forces are able to pinpoint the exact location of the crisis. This knowledge enables them to quickly develop a potentially life-saving navigational strategy for the entire building.
  4. What does it cost?
    Cost is based on several factors. There is a basic charge for each school facility and an additional charge based on the school size. We have found that the cost for a typical school building is in the $2000 - $4000 range per building.
  5. Are there optional features that can be added to the standard package?
    Yes, you can add -
    1. Annual membership option that covers ongoing maintenance and upgrades of software and a timely newsletter with updates and information pertaining to educational safety. Should you decide not to choose the maintenance plan, we will be happy to quote a price for updates on an “as needed basis.”
    2. ADA compliant room number signage.
    3. Decals for windows displaying the room numbers from the outside of the building.
    4. We offer services to gather your site and floor plan information.
    5. Signage installation.
  6. What is the operational equipment and software required?
    The data can be viewed on virtually any Windows-based PC. The files are PDF format and Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from our CD, is used to display the views.
  7. Will my buildings require re-numbering?
    No, your buildings will not require re-numbering. However, we will ask that all “openings” be numbered which may require the addition of numbers.
  8. How long does it take to install?
    Installation depends on the speed and accuracy with which we receive the information from your school district. We check the information supplied to us for completeness and request clarification where needed. The information is then put into an electronic format with color-coding. The color-coded plans are returned to your facility and we ask that the plan drafts be reviewed, checked for accuracy and approved. Please allow time for any corrections that may be necessary. Once you approve the plans, the hard copies and digital files can be distributed.
  9. Is the information secure?
    The disks you will receive are password protected. This information is confidential, and only the school district determines which emergency responders will receive the information. Note also that the files are in a read only format. The hard copies should be kept in a secure location.
  10. What if we need additional disks or books?
    Additional disks and hard copy manuals are available for a minimal fee.
  11. Who installs the door number signs?
    Signage installation is normally accomplished by the school district. Foremost Safety Solutions, Inc. provides easy to install instructions to the school district. Or installation of signage can be contracted to Foremost as an additional option.
  12. Will we need training to use the S.O.S. system?
    Although only a minimal amount of instruction will be necessary to implement your S.O.S. program, detailed written instructions will guide you through set-up, installation, and proper usage. In addition, we are currently developing an on-line training program that could be accessed via our website.