Method and apparatus for providing status information from a security and automation system to an emergency responder

An access portal is provided for establishing communication between an environmental management system used on a premises and an authorized responder equipped with an external access device. In some cases a remote host server is provided for obtaining information from the environmental management system, which in turn can transmit the information to the external access device. The access portal includes a first electronic memory segment configured to store access information associated with at least one authorized responder and a second electronic memory segment configured to store information pertaining to the premises and/or at least one occupant residing in the premises. The access portal also includes a processor for identifying a responder as an authorized responder by comparing identifying information received from the responder through the external access device with the access information stored in the first electronic memory segment. A wireless transceiver is provided for (i) receiving the identifying information and requests from the responder and, (ii) in response to a request, transmitting the premises information stored in the second electronic memory segment and status information obtained from at least one sensor in the environmental management system to an authorized responder.