Community Corner
New Software Could Help Firefighters Save Lives
A mapping program could provide emergency crews with real-time information on residents and town geography.

Holliston's spoke to Selectmen Tuesday, recommending the implementation a software mapping system that would assist the town's emergency and maintenance personnel.
Chief Cassidy recommended replacing digital spreadsheets, the current method for storing data on the town, with the Geographic Information System program. The software would map everything from fire hydrants to residents with limited mobility, and could be accessed on a smart phone, removing some of the barriers between emergency crews and vital information.
"GIS would benefit the town by providing information when we lose power for five days for example, we will know who to check on," Cassidy said.
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Discussion rose at the Selectmen meeting from the software's price tag – $20,000 for implementation and $10,000 per year for maintenance.
Selectmen recommended the issue be tabled to Holliston's next town meeting in May.
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