As building design evolves to accommodate present-day conditions, addressable security and fire and life-safety systems are more important than ever. Fire and life-safety systems are becoming more flexible, efficient and responsive, giving campuses cost-efficient, integrated options.

Mass notification, a relatively new development in life safety, can be defined as "a technology that provides real-time information to groups of individuals within large buildings, campus settings, geographic regions, or entire nations."

While the latest update to NFPA redefines Mass Notification as "Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)", the end user community is formulating expectations related to the future functionality of today's alerting solutions.

Computer pop-up messaging allows this Northern California hospital to send targeted emergency alerts to specific groups at specific locations, as well as reach staff members in remote buildings.

Even PDAs and cell phones leave an emergency response-security void when absent or ignored. Wireless PA systems compatible with two-way radios can economically compensate for this weakness.

Shortly after the Virginia Tech mass shooting, the University of Maryland adopted a text message emergency alert system. Nearly three years after its deployment, Campus Safety checks in with the school to see how the technology has fared.

These best practices can mitigate H1N1 outbreaks on campus while preventing the spread of misinformation, rumors and panic.

Have you provided those who respond to emergencies on your campus with the information they need to successfully handle an incident?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are oftentimes the critical link between the public and most forms of healthcare. Campuses are not exempt, and it may be important to link up with campus public safety and campus EMS or, in their absence, local emergency service providers. Here’s how to handle H1N1 from a campus emergency services perspective.

Local, state and federal emergency management agencies can often provide campuses with free training, as well as other necessities before, during and after a crisis.