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Pennsylvania Launches State-wide Emergency Notification System From Cooper Notification

^{Published on 2009-12-21 13:00:14 - Market Wire}
 

SARASOTA, Fla.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Governor Edward G. Rendell announced the launch of its state-wide emergency notification system, AlertPA, powered by Cooper Notification's patented Roam Secure Alert Network™ (RSAN™). Cooper Notification is a platform of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE:CBE).

"When emergencies, severe weather, and other life and health threatening incidents occur, Pennsylvanians can be among the first to know by signing up for AlertPA"

"When emergencies, severe weather, and other life and health threatening incidents occur, Pennsylvanians can be among the first to know by signing up for AlertPA," said Governor Rendell. "The system allows citizens to choose to be notified about emergencies and other announcements."

AlertPA is an interoperable communications system that helps officials quickly send emergency text and email alerts, and other important notifications, to the public to assist them in making informed decisions. Individuals can register for AlertPA by going to [ www.pa.gov ] and clicking on Alerts & Advisories. Users can choose the method of notification – pager, text or email – and select what type of information they would like to receive.

Individuals can choose from a variety of alerts including weather warnings, public health notifications, airport delays, consumer product recalls, prison notifications and more.

In an effort to reach as many people as possible during a prison emergency, the Department of Corrections is expanding its present notification system with AlertPA. "AlertPA enhances the department's present system by adding text, email and voice message capabilities," said Corrections Secretary Jeffrey A. Beard. "It will be used in conjunction with prison sirens or whistles and the automated telephone system currently used by the department."

For interoperability throughout Pennsylvania, the state and its counties will be able to communicate on a common notification platform through the Roam Secure Information eXchange (RSIX). RSIX also has the technology to collect information from outside sources and automate a variety of alerts such as severe weather, traffic, crime information, state-wide health notifications, river flood stage monitoring information and national notifications, including the Center for Disease Control, Federal Drug Administration and Consumer Products Safety Commission.

"We are pleased that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has taken this important step in providing standardized regional alerting and interoperable communications throughout the state," said Scott Hearn, President, Cooper Notification. "Pennsylvania joins Virginia and the District of Columbia as the third state/jurisdiction who rely on Cooper Notification's innovative safety and security technologies to help protect their communities."

Cooper Notification: Delivering Critical Alerts when it Matters Most

Cooper Notification, the industry's most comprehensive, multi-layered Mass Notification System (MNS) provider, provides critical, emergency communications for cities and counties across the U.S. With 500 MNS systems around the globe, other installations include U.S. military sites; university and college campuses; state and federal agencies; airports; and hospitals. Integrated with one simple-to-use interface, Cooper Notification's reliable and effective MNS solutions allow emergency officials to send event-specific instructions to multiple communication channels, including voice-sirens, indoor and outdoor speakers, digital signage, text messaging/SMS alerting, automated dialing systems, desktop alerts, and email notifications. These systems play an important role in emergency alerting and information sharing among government leadership, first responders, critical infrastructure providers, businesses and citizens.

Editor's Note: For additional information regarding Cooper Industries' commitment to Safety and Notification solutions, contact Mark Doheny at (713) 209-8484 or [ mark.doheny@cooperindustries.com ].

About Cooper Notification

Cooper Notification, a solution platform of The Cooper Safety Division, is comprised of several businesses with decades of experience and innovation in the development of high quality products and solutions. With the ever present need to protect, alert and inform, Cooper Notification is focused on meeting the growing demand for personnel and property safety. We are the source for notification solutions supporting Fire, Security, Hazardous area, Mass Notification, Voice evacuation and Industrial Signaling applications and operating under the powerful global brands of Fulleon, MEDC, Roam Secure, SAFEPATH, WAVES and Wheelock. For more information, visit the web site at [ www.coopernotification.com ].

About Cooper Industries

Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2008 revenues of $6.5 billion, approximately 88% of which are from electrical products. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained level of success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards, and meeting customer needs. The Company has eight operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2008, sixty-one percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-seven percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2008. For more information, visit the website at [ www.cooperindustries.com ].