New System Helps With Emergency Response at Canon-McMillan

As the new academic year begins, the wants the community to know about a new safety system implemented—one it received free of charge.

Called Life-Counts, the program gives emergency responders immediate and secure online access that was previously only available in a hard-copy format.

According to a press release from the district, that information includes building-level contact information, floor plans, evacuation routes and more.

The owners of US Life Safety, Steve and Bonnie Burchesky, approached the school board with the complimentary service.

“We want to make a difference to better protect all children, as well as our community,” the couple said in a statement.

The Life-Counts system has been implemented in 10 Federal Emergency Management Agency facilities in Washington , D.C., Virginia and Maryland, and will allow local emergency agencies to receive immediate emergency-related updates issued by the district.

“We are impressed with the online features of this program. Although our school district has shared in a longstanding collaboration with local emergency responders from each of our three municipalities, we anticipate enhanced communication and increased efficiency with information sharing in those critical moments of need,” substitute Superintendent Michael Daniels said. “My initial impression is that is appears any school district may benefit from participation in this program.”

, D-Canonsburg, who also serves as the borough’s fire chief, agreed.

“When an emergency occurs, one of the most important items we need is good information,” he said. “Compound that when it is a school situation and the excitement factor can go through the roof. Life-Counts brings workable, reliable information and assistance in any emergency situation.”

Already in place with for the past four years, US Life Safety indicated it plans to expand its network to other Washington County school districts.