BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va.


The Department of Homeland Security uses a computer database called Automated Critical Asset Management System, or ACAMS, to keep all emergency responders working as one team during a disaster.

This same database is now going to be used on a local level. Brooke County Emergency Management Agency Director Bob Fowler said he has gone through training on the system that will now be offered up to local schools and businesses.

"In the event of an emergency, for example, it gives us access to floor plans of the building, emergency shutoffs. Say there would be a situation where a gunman would be in a school or business, we can actually, in our mobile command center, bring up the floor plans and in some cases, we'll be tied into their actual camera systems," said Fowler.

Fowler said he will be training others throughout the Northern Panhandle. He said the priority is getting local schools linked in, but that is just the beginning.

"We would like to see any of our businesses. As you know, we have some chemical plants in our area and steel mills and things that would be critical if we could get them involved," said Fowler.

Banks, gas stations and convenience stores can all get involved. Fowler said it is free and secure.

"There is different levels of access. The folks on the Level One would have access only to their information. The higher the credentials, the higher the need for knowledge. For example, most of the EMA would have access to be able to get into almost any part of that, if there is an emergency," said Fowler.

Once these companies are tied into the system, Fowler said, information they share cannot be used against them.

Anyone who wants to get involved should contact the EMA.