The system’s software was installed on the university’s server and is monitored by multiple authorized users. On-site guards can monitor and respond to requests for help; campus police dispatchers can also supervise and operate the system from police headquarters off site; Miller and authorized environmental health and safety staff can access and operate the system from various remote locations.
Evacuation Drill Demonstrates Value of New System
The Metis Secure solution successfully addressed key concerns, such as message speed, targeting locations and penetrating reception dead zones, even in the challenging communications environment of Mellon Institute.
As part of implementation, there was a live evacuation drill during which the building manager used the Command Center software to send a message to all of the notification devices in the institute. There was great internal response to the drill. Many people surveyed said they preferred the voice message to the fire alarm due to clarity of message and the directions provided by the Metis Secure system.
But the drill participants weren’t the only ones satisfied with the new solution. Miller was too.
“I am impressed by the message speed and targeting capabilities that the Metis Secure team is able to achieve,” she says. “Metis Secure has a unique solution that we could use in any building on campus, but is particularly effective in addressing our most challenging environments.”
Limitations of Existing Notification Systems
Cell Calling
- Takes more than 30 minutes to receive messages
- Voluntary opt-in yields only about 40 percent enrollment in warning program
- Poor reception limits success in some locations
- Only works when someone voluntarily reads E-mail
- Not a “wake up and warn” technology
Fire Alarm
- Loud buzzer, little or no information
- Often thought to be a false alarm or drill, and ignored by occupants
- Cannot tell people to shelter in place
Blue light towers
- Outdoor locations only
- Not capable of mass notification
Related Articles:
- Your Mass Notification Cheat Sheet
- Incorporating Mass Notification Into New Fire Alarm Systems
- Take It From the Experts When Crafting Your Messages
