CSA Monitoring in the state capital has launched a new product that allows alarm dispatching companies to send emergency dispatches directly to Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs). In the past, the burglary and fire alarm industry relied on phone calls, requiring operators to verbally communicate the emergency, address, and other details to 911 dispatchers.
This new direct connection implemented by CSA reduces response time and significantly increases the accuracy of the data received by 911 centres. The improvement enhances public safety, where every second counts—especially in fire situations, where saving time can save lives.
Fire, burglary, and life safety systems
CSA Monitoring is one of the largest wholesale alarm monitoring central stations in the state and supports many of Michigan’s small alarm dealers who install fire, burglary, and life safety systems—including personal emergency response systems (PERS), which help protect older adults who live independently and may need rapid assistance from first responders.
Marc Cuddie, owner of CSA, said, “This technology is incredible for delivering accurate information to the correct PSAP in a very short time frame, cutting more than two minutes off the emergency process in some cases. In a fire, this is huge. Fire experts agree that a fire can double in size every minute it burns, so saving even a few minutes has a major impact on protecting life and property.”
Forefront of developing public safety programs
Dice Corporation, also a Michigan-based technology company, is the software vendor that enabled this interface through its new PSAP Connect service. Dice is one of the pioneering alarm automation companies in the industry and has been at the forefront of developing public safety programs that are shaping the future of alarm communications.
Clifford Dice, CEO of Dice Corporation, said, “We chose Michigan as one of the first states to go live because it is our home state, and CSA is a very forward-thinking company as well as one of the technology leaders in the wholesale monitoring industry. In this case, our interface covers more than 86% of the state’s population and connects a significant percentage of ECCs. We also have other alarm companies that we plan to bring live in additional states as we roll out a nationwide platform for the industry’s top alarm providers.”