When an emergency happens, institutions of higher education, schools and healthcare facilities must quickly notify students, patients, staff and visitors so they can protect themselves and the individuals in their care. Emergency notification systems are an excellent way to inform everyone in a campus community when there is a dangerous situation that requires an immediate response on their part. That response could be sheltering in place, locking down, evacuating or some other action step.
Here’s a breakdown of the more commonly used emergency notification systems. Many of these solutions can be integrated so critical information can reach more individuals on or near a campus, as well as other stakeholders, such as family members who could be in another state or country. Additionally, today’s top emergency alert systems can be integrated with other security and life safety equipment.
Because no one solution can reach everyone during an emergency, multiple types of systems should be deployed. This approach allows the strengths of each system to compensate for the weaknesses of others.
Be certain to test your mass notification systems regularly, and account for the hearing and sight impaired, as well as community members who don’t speak English. Train students, faculty, staff, medical personnel, parents and other stakeholders on what to expect and what to do after an alert has been issued. Many campuses train their populations to refer to the institution’s Web site for additional information and instructions.
Other mass notification solutions include the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), radio announcements, television announcements, toll-free phone numbers and weather radios. For additional information on emergency alert solutions, best practices and policies, visit CampusSafetyMagazine.com.
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