New Direct-Access Line Allows Siemens Call Center Fastest Possible Access to Philadelphia 911 and First Responders

First company to engage city's new service aims at shortening emergency response times 


BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Jan. 3  /PRNewswire/ -- . Through new direct access phone line connectivity, the Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. security and fire alarm Central Monitoring Station (CMS) can now reach Philadelphia's 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) faster and more reliably than previously possible.

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According to Siemens Central Monitoring Station data administration manager Tim Kennedy, "We are one of the first companies to engage this process. Essentially, our systems use a dedicated line that exclusively connects us directly to the 911 dispatch center. Our calls are instantly identified as coming from us and that assures the highest level of priority- thus our calls get answered more quickly. When our customer's building security is being breached or is on fire, minutes can mean everything when it comes to halting threats, preserving human life, or reducing the impact of property loss."  Siemens is offering its Philadelphia-area customers this enhanced service at no additional cost, says Kennedy.

The Philadelphia Police Department's communication center is the main PSAP for Philadelphia and handles over 3.3 million police, fire and EMS calls each year. To take advantage of Philadelphia's new program and establish the direct-dial DID PBX line, Siemens contracted with national telecommunications provider Verizon. The dedicated line bypasses local phone system bottlenecks so calls connect directly to PSAP dispatch operators from the Siemens CMS. Over the next several months, Siemens expects to contract for more dedicated lines and introduce the benefits of this direct connectivity to its security and fire customers in other cities and communities nationally.

As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, fire safety and security systems solutions, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, secure and less costly to operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,200 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries.

For more information on Siemens Building Technologies, visit: http://www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies 

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DATASOURCE: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.



CONTACT:  Steven E. Kuehn of Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.,

[phone], 



Web site:  http://www.sbt.siemens.com/ 

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