New Mapping Technology Enhances First Responders' Response Time to Schools

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LEROY, Ill. (WCIA) — In the realm of emergency response, time is of the essence, and a school district in Central Illinois is making significant strides to ensure swift action.

The LeRoy school district has implemented advanced mapping technology to aid first responders during emergencies. Unlike traditional building layouts, these new maps deliver comprehensive, real-time data, enhancing the response time and efficiency of emergency personnel.

When a 911 call is placed, responders can pinpoint the exact location within the school where the call originated, streamlining their efforts to address the situation promptly.

“While our primary goal in schools is to educate students, ensuring their safety is paramount,” emphasized Jeff Baughman, Superintendent of the LeRoy school district.

Taking this responsibility seriously, LeRoy schools have adopted innovative, interactive maps powered by geographic information systems, moving beyond static wall maps to a dynamic tool for emergency readiness.

“The difference about this is not only are the maps better just visually, but they’re also completely drawn to scale through the GIS mapping,” Baughman said.

The maps have room numbers, doors with site and roof entry points, and keyed access points.
Additionally, they have camera locations in the schools and their blind spots. The GIS systems eliminate the guess work.

“We can actually get more detail, get people there faster and because of our enhanced location, we can see where people are within that map,” said Brandon Lacey, McLean county’s 9-1-1 system manager.

He added that this aligns with their mission, and it was created at no cost to the school.

“We’re constantly looking for how to improve what we have, how to improve the response times for the dispatch centers, and for the first responders,” Lacey said.

LeRoy schools are the first to have this kind of map available to first responders in McLean County.

“It’s always fun to be able to be the leader in something, but I think more importantly, it’s just exciting to know that our county and our first responders are working with us to partner in order to ensure student and faculty safety,” Baughman said.

He added that these maps are critical.

“I think the thing that people forget about is we deal with emergencies on a regular basis,” Baughman said.

When it comes to students and staff, every moment counts.

“Seconds save lives, and this is going to make it that much faster for us to save lives,” Lacey said.

He shared that the maps are continuously being updated as room numbers change or if there is a remodel, and they are private to the public.