Is Your Emergency Notification System Missing A Key Element?

Is Your Emergency Notification System Missing A Key Element?

Clear and immediate communication is an essential part of keeping people safe during an emergency. When an emergency event occurs, notifications are typically sent either through well-established fire detection and alarm systems or network centric systems that leverage existing IT or wireless infrastructures to send messages to mobile devices such as cell phones. Many organizations are also taking a unified approach and leveraging both systems. Regardless of the approach, incorporating digital emergency notification displays ensures a more reliable, versatile and complete crisis alert system.

Easy And Flexible Installation

These high-visibility LED displays are quick to mount in high-traffic areas where they can display emergency textual information to students, employees and staff about an imminent or ongoing incident. They are also valuable communication links in isolated areas of the building that may not be able to get a cell phone signal for receipt of SMS text messages.

The latest generation of emergency notification displays are powered by the IP network(Power Over Ethernet rather than traditional AC power) or by the installed fire panel. This not only ensures the ability to instantly send information to the displays on a wide scale instantaneously, it provides reliability in the event of a power outage. In addition, their low power consumption makes them inexpensive to operate and environmentally friendly.

Reliable Operation

A critical feature in an emergency system is the ability to operate during a crisis. An unfortunate flaw in some mass notification systems is their reliance on both AC power and wireless networks. During a crisis, wireless networks can become overloaded with increased demand. And, when the power goes out, AC-powered displays become unavailable. Although communication through channels such as email and social media outlets are important elements of an emergency communication network, alternatives must be in place for complete reliability.

Digital emergency notification displays that operate on PoE continue to operate during a power outage if the network is backed up by a UPS. The signs continue to disseminate important information during a crisis as long as the UPS batteries keep power running through the computer network. The displays’ low power requirements allow them to keep operating for quite some time on battery power.

Accessible And Secure

Preprogrammed messages can be sent to emergency notification displays directly from the fire panel, and ad hoc messaging, such as first-responder updates, can be displayed in seconds by authorized administrators. The displays also integrate with popular mass notification systems where a single RSS/XML message can be sent to multiple channels simultaneously, including the digital signage.

The displays may be easily accessible but that doesn’t mean they are not secure. The displays accept messages only from authorized users so administrators don’t have to worry about pranksters or well-meaning but misinformed employees misusing the emergency notification system. An encrypted channel is also available to keep messages secure. The units also show messages sent from the building’s fire panel or other automated warning systems.

Timely and informative communication can saves lives during an emergency. Adding emergency notification displays to your overall emergency communication solution will help ensure more complete notification during a crisis – helping you organize and move your people to safety more quickly.