Photo by: Lin Cong
This summer University Lofts, located on the Northeast corner of Evans and University, installed a new security system that allows residents to text message 911 in case of an emergency.
The new security system is called E911Werx and allows dispatch to pinpoint up to the room of the person calling.
Some 100 DU students live in University Lofts.
The signal from the system shows the entire floor plan of the building to emergency dispatchers.
What makes the E911Werx so unique is that it works in multi-story buildings, dense urban areas, and even underground.
The system can also communicate with residents through small white nodes placed throughout the building. During emergencies, the nodes can direct people to certain stairways and paths to avoid the danger.
Emergencies can range from burglaries to health-related circumstances. The E911Werx will offer relief for both residents and parents, Larisa Tardiff, University Lofts property manager said. “It’s going to expedite 911 and first responders,” Tardiff said. “Police will be able to locate somebody faster, then be able to help them faster. [The E911Werx will] eliminate time and saves lives in any emergency.”
In locating emergency callers, 911 has a radius of up to potentially three football fields to search in order to place a location, losing what can be valuable time, Tardiff said.
To activate the safety feature, phones must be Bluetooth-enabled and have downloaded the silent applications that connects with the nodes in the building.
“I think it’s a good because if someone calls from a building, [emergency responders] can pinpoint what room you’re calling from,” said senior Mark Turlo. “It’s also kind of weird because they know exactly where you are.” Turlo has lived in University Lofts since January. He was informed about the new security system through several flyers and notes slid under his door.
University Lofts installed more than 50 nodes with financial support from a private investment from the creators of this system, Wireless Werx, and ADT. ADT did all of the technical wiring of the system.
The system went live in August. Currently, there have not been any emergency uses.
According to Tardiff, University Lofts is discussing implementation of the E911 Werx with DU for certain facilities around campus.
