AbstractMaintaining Critical Asset Protection Priorities in a Tough Economy Track: Critical Infrastructure Protection Author Protecting the safety of the community is one of the most important services our local governments provide. In recent years, the economic downturn has created a particularly challenging environment for public safety agencies tasked with protecting life and property. This session focuses on creative ways to use GIS when budget reductions force command officers to make tough decisions about protection priorities. When budget reductions force a fire department to take fire companies out of service service levels can be impacted. Using GIS to aid command staff in disaster mitigation and determining protection priorities for critical assets, The City of Baltimore Fire Department has found creative ways to enhance their ability to make decisions to sustain protection levels and maximize their ability to protect life and critical infrastructure. The result has been maintaining effective response capacity and minimizing the impact of budget reductions on service delivery during difficult economic times. Jim Pottieger City of Baltimore Fire Department 1100 Hillen Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 United States Phone: 443-984-3939 E-mail: james.potteiger@baltimorecity.gov Peter Hanna City of Baltimore Fire Department 1100 Hillen St. Baltimore, Maryland 21202 United States Phone: 443-984-3940 E-mail: peter.hanna@baltimorecity.gov |