Macomb, IL – Illinois is bolstering its emergency preparedness by giving each county ESDA director a laptop computer with special software.
McDonough County ESDA Director Dan Kreps says the Geographic Information Software can display a map of the county.
Then it can add layers of information including roads, pipelines, buildings or the location of hazardous materials.
The computer also can tell the chemical properties of the hazardous materials either in the county or being carried through it on trucks or railroad cars.
A separate program that can also be on the computer will factor in weather conditions to help predict which locations might be affected by a chemical spill.
Kreps says the information will also help him evaluate storm damage. He can block out the path of a tornado and the program will tell him how many buildings were affected.
He's also getting a printer which can produce maps up to two feet wide and as long as needed.
He says those can be given to emergency responders who are unfamiliar with the area to help them know where to go and what should be done.
Kreps says he's working with the GIS center on the WIU campus to learn how to use the software.
He says one advantage of the computer is that it's easier to keep information updated.