BNET and Erie County Launch Corporate Emergency Access System (CEAS)

Access Control System Helps Governments Manage Emergencies or Disasters

Erie County, in partnership with the Business Network of Emergency Resources (BNET), this week announced the countywide launch of the Corporate Emergency Access System (CEAS). This initiative will complement the existing CEAS program in Buffalo, NY. In the event of a large-scale emergency, CEAS provides companies quick, authorized access to their affected worksites, minimizing economic injury to business and ensuring countywide economic resiliency.

CEAS is an emergency access control system, which authenticates critical business employees for entry to restricted areas following a disaster or serious emergency using a secure identification card recognized by the police. Governments must adopt the CEAS for use in their jurisdiction before businesses can enroll in the program and receive ID cards. The local authorities can implement the CEAS following an emergency once immediate threats to life are stabilized. Businesses in Erie County can enroll by going to CEAS.com.

In a press conference held Tuesday at M&T Bank’s One Fountain Plaza site in Buffalo, the County’s new CEAS program was unveiled. “In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever for County government to help businesses in every way possible”, said Erie County Executive, Chris Collins. “That’s why Erie County is partnering with BNET to implement the Corporate Emergency Access System. Recent disasters like the crash of flight 3407, and the October storm of 2006, highlight the need for this type of program in our County.”

“A county wide CEAS program will be an important tool in helping to keep critical business functions operational during driving bans and area restrictions”, said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “It will certainly augment Buffalo’s existing CEAS program by enhancing regional cooperation.”

“The CEAS partnership is a tangible bond that elevates area businesses to a place where they should be during an emergency or disaster as true partners in response and recovery”, said TJ Lukasiewicz, BNET Board Trustee, “This was a truly collaborative effort between both public and private sectors.”

Our participation in CEAS enhances our existing business continuity plans, ensuring that needed critical staff have the access necessary to ensure we meet our customer’s needs”, said Jeff Shaw, Vice President at M&T Bank. “In the end, the entire community benefits from CEAS, by helping to maintain critical infrastructure and key lifelines in the aftermath of an emergency.”

CEAS is currently being used in New York City and Buffalo, NY, Boston and Cambridge, MA, Stamford, CT, Philadelphia, PA and their surrounding counties:

Contacts

BNET
Peter Picarillo
Office: 888-353-2638 x 1001
Cell: 646-210-5861
ppicarillo {at} bnetinc(.)org