New equipment keeps Binghamton Firefighters safer.

These personal escape systems are now part of their standard gear.

About 20 firefighters were testing out them out in Binghamton.

The equipment allows a safer way for firefighters to jump from upper floor windows and roofs.

Fire officials says it provides another escape route for them.

And put simply, it can save lives.

"There's a lot of training involved because we need it to be something we can do without thinking about so it's a lot of repetitive training but it is a very easy system to use for firefighters," said Assistant Chief Richard Allen.

An unfunded state mandate requires all firefighters to have this equipment.

A grant covered 90% of the cost.

The department also got new mobile data terminals installed in their vehicles.

It provides streets maps, hydrant locations and information about buildings, as emergency crews respond.