Res. No. 396 Title Resolution calling upon the appropriate Committee of the Council of the City of New York to explore the possibility of providing high-rise buildings with state-of-the-art safety and escape devices, such as low-altitude parachutes, tubular net life-chutes, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial rescue platforms. Body By Council Members Avella, Baez, DeBlasio, Seabrook, Sears and Stewart Whereas, The September 11th attacks ushered in a new era of danger facing large cities; the attacks that took place on this day showed the vulnerabilities that exist in cities like New York, especially those facing workers stationed in high rise buildings; and Whereas, The events of September 11th showed that traditional fire safety and escape procedures may not be sufficient for modern-day situations, with the looming threat of mega-terror scenarios; and Whereas, In the days after September 11th, the media reported on the existence of new and unique escape technologies that may have saved lives on September 11th had they been incorporated on a prior date; and Whereas, These technologies included the creative use of conventional technologies, such as configuring parachutes for use in lower-altitude settings, installing tubular net life chutes, and other creative solutions; and Whereas, More elaborate high-tech devices should also be considered, including the future use of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial rescue platforms, which function as levitating platforms, enabling rescue workers to save evacuees from high altitudes in emergency situations; and Whereas, New Yorkers have been extraordinarily courageous in their handling of these new threats; they deserve the very best in terms of safety and protection as they serve as leaders on the homefront of the war on terror; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of New York calls upon the appropriate Committee of the Council of the City of New York to explore the possibility of providing high-rise buildings with state-of-the-art safety and escape devices, such as low-altitude parachutes, tubular net life-chutes, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial rescue platforms. LS#789 MC