GA mission to Israel mulls anti-terror rescue gear

A high-level visit of Georgia political and business leaders to Israel last week, is considering a skyscraper evacuation system developed there for use in terrorism or fire-related incidents.

The tragic events in Mumbai and the changed skyline of New York are reminders of the pride we have in our cities and of the necessity to prepare for another 9/11, a fire or a terrorist hostage-taking situation," said John Oxendine, state insurance and safety fire commissioner.

The Escape Rescue Systems device, is an external evacuation platform stored on the building's roof. A series of five collapsible elevator-like containers can be deployed alongside the structure's windows, and lower 150 people to the ground in under 10 minutes, or deliver up to 25 rescue personnel or police forces, company officials told The Jerusalem Post newspaper.

"With more than 200 tall buildings in Atlanta, we need to consider revolutionary rescue and evacuation solutions, like Escape Rescue System," Oxendine said.

The US Department of Homeland Security has given its stamp of approval to the system as a Qualified Anti-terrorism Technology, according to the report.