CIRMA News - May 2020

Smart-Sensors Help Keep Newington School Lunch Program Running During COVID-19 Pandemic

Thousands of school-aged children across the Nutmeg State participate in Grab and Go Meals programs that help ensure children and families continue to have access to healthy and affordable meals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newington Public Schools, which serves its community over 8,000 meals a week, could have experienced a disruption in services after an onsite walk-in freezer temperature gauge malfunctioned.

On Saturday, April 24, building officials at Newington High School received notifications that one of their freezers was registering higher than normal temperatures. Mr. John Brunetti, Newington Public Schools Central Supply Supervisor, stated that “Had it not been for the alert, the Grab and Go Meals program could have suffered major losses.” The school was notified in time to replace the malfunctioning thermostats, which mitigated a potential loss that would have been devastating to the local community.

In 2019, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) launched the innovative smart-sensor program through its partnership with Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB). The program leverages proprietary HSB next-generation sensors and software that protect Connecticut public entities by connecting equipment, facilities, and building personnel through the Internet of Things.

HSB’s algorithms analyze data on temperature, water accumulation, power outages, and humidity to identify and report on potential risks. This data is shared with the member in real-time to mitigate damages. The result? Improved operations and minimized downtime issues.

Sensor Systems by HSB is an early-warning system hardware and software package that helps monitor conditions 24/7, analyze critical data, and push alerts to key building personnel when environmental changes suggest trouble. This can include water presence, freeze risk, refrigeration failure, mold, and air quality and power outages. The sensors are delivered in a simple kit and use proprietary algorithms to help prevent losses and improve performance.

“CIRMA has been closely monitoring emerging trends associated with COVID-19 closures. An undetected issue could result in costly damage to our members’ property, a disruption in site performance, and many hours spent recovering and restoring their building and operations, said David Demchak, CIRMA President, and CEO. This program gives our members peace of mind during these difficult times, knowing that their school and municipal buildings are monitored 24/7 when they are not onsite.”