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FirstCall Network & APEX i-info Software
The Central Texas Council of Governments has implemented two new emergency management programs this year, with the assistance of Homeland Security funding allocated to the region by the Department of Homeland Security and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management (GDEM). Both programs are anticipated to enhance and streamline emergency management efforts and bring added value to the region.
The first new program is the FirstCall network. FirstCall is a high-speed emergency telephone, pager and wireless device notification system. The network utilizes a propriety computer mapping system with integrated residential and business telephone numbers and address information to provide fast, clear and uninterrupted emergency notification. FirstCall is fully staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year by trained and certified emergency notification personnel. FirstCall also offers VPN internet access to enable emergency notification via e-mail.
FirstCall is currently available to all CTCOG jurisdictions and was used successfully during the recent flooding in several local counties. To access the network, each governing body must pass a resolution to accept the FirstCall system and agree to its associated usage fees. Homeland Security funding pays for network set-up and on-going maintenance, but each jurisdiction must pay for usage at a rate of 9.5 cents for a 30-second message and .03 cents for each additional 15-second increment. To set up a FirstCall account, please contact the Planning and Regional Services Division for the appropriate authorized activator request form.
The second program is the APEX Innovations i-info software system, which is in the process of being implemented. I-info is a database management system that is designed to assist the region in multiple ways; it has the ability to be used as an:
- Emergency Resource System
- Agency Information Directory
- Responder Registry
- Roster Management
- Volunteer Registry
- Credentialing System
- Shelter Information System
- Business Resource Registry
- Document Management System
- Badge Management System
- Information Sharing System
- Special Needs Registry
- Inventory System
- Critical Infrastructure System
- Fleet Maintenance System
- Mutual Aid Network
- Communications System
- Mitigation Planning System
- Training Coordination System
The i-info software comes at no additional usage cost to CTCOG member jurisdictions.
Each Chief Elected Official will be contacted by APEX Innovations as we work to implement the system. APEX will handle data input and set up of all contact information on behalf of each jurisdiction, after which each jurisdiction will be assigned access to an account. The i-info database is designed to benefit the region in an emergency situation, as well as serve as a tool for everyday resource management. Please contact the Planning and Regional Services Division for more information.
Shannon Mattingly
Director, Planning & Regional Services
Central Texas Council of Governments
254-770-2373
smattingly@ctcog.org