Abstract: A method is provided in an application server, comprising: storing a plurality of primary class definitions in a memory, each primary class definition including a primary class identifier and a plurality of primary class attributes; storing a plurality of secondary class definitions in a memory, each secondary class definition including a secondary class identifier and a plurality of secondary class attributes; receiving a message from a client computing device via a network; based on the content of the message, selecting one of the primary class identifiers, and one of the secondary class identifiers; selecting primary response data corresponding to the selected primary class identifier; selecting secondary response data corresponding to the selected secondary class identifier; generating a response message by combining the primary response data and the secondary response data; and transmitting the response message to the client computing device.

Abstract: A system for detecting and responding to emergency events includes a plurality of local emergency detection and response units positioned in a local area. Each unit includes one or more local sensing agents and a local detection manager. Each local sensing agent is operable to detect emergency events by a change in a given emergency factor in the local area and to convey data representative of the change in the emergency factor to a detection manager which is operable to receive the data and to assign a value to the emergency factor according to the data. A central location controller unit and/or the local emergency detection and response unit are operable for classifying the assigned value of the emergency function to form an assigned value classification and for initiating the local emergency event response agent to implement a response protocol according to the assigned value classification.