When dealing with a situation that could be a potential emergency, it is not only essential to act fast, but also to notify personnel of the situation. Immediate response notifications can help quickly divert an unwanted situation, such as a fight or altercation, from becoming something more serious. Here are five essential tips for immediate response notification.
1. Make Sure Technology is Functioning
Whatever technology you use to monitor your facility, as well as use for emergency communications, it is a good idea to test the technology and ensure it is in proper working order. An active emergency is not the time to find out your technology is malfunctioning.
2. Deliver Clear Communication
Understanding how to communicate a crisis situation is the basis of every emergency response plan. From identification to escalation, clear and effective communication can help saves lives and protect property. In any emergency Time = Life. A great way to practice your organization’s emergency response and communication plans is through electronic tabletop exercises, where you respond in real-time to simulated emergencies. With this simulated response, you have to communicate with your team members under duress, which help refine emergency communication skills.
3. Pre-Determine Your Channels
Channels of communication and notification should be included in your emergency response plans. Do you utilize social media to communicate an emergency? Is there an emergency broadcast system or automatic text message system utilized at your facility? These channels should be clearly laid out and set up so if a situation does occur, notification begins immediately.
4. Make Sure All Areas of Your Facility Are Monitored and Protected
To be better prepared for any emergency, it is important to ensure there are not any areas of your facility where there could be a lack of detection or response. This could include stairwells, storage rooms, or areas where video monitoring is not allowed such as restrooms or changing rooms. Thousands of incidents still occur in these places each year and needed privacy laws have maintained their vulnerability. Advancements in IoT sensor technology have allowed for security devices to be placed in these areas without having to record audio or video and can trigger facility lockdown and emergency call response via third-party applications when detected. The HALO Smart Sensor is one such device.
5. Ensure Emergency Plans Are Enforced and Understood
It has been said that practice makes perfect. While not many people like to think of emergency scenarios, it is crucial to have an open line of communication with personnel on what response policies are. It is even a great idea to conduct emergency response drills, practices, or emergency simulations such as electronic table-topping utilizing the emergency response plans in place, that way they are clearly understood and practiced if the time comes where there is a real situation. Flaws in plans can also be found, and revisions can be made to ensure a solid emergency response plan.
There are many tools out there to aid in immediate response notification in the event of a potential emergency. The HALO Smart Sensor is an all-in-one security device that utilizes security features such as gunshot detection, keyword detection, aggressive noise detection, and much more. HALO can also be placed in privacy areas, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, as it utilizes sensors instead of cameras. Best of all, personnel can receive real-time alerts either via text or email from HALO, aiding in a quick emergency response. It is a must-have for any organization looking to have multiple layers of detection.
For those looking to see if their existing emergency plans are functional and efficient, or if they are looking to create a whole emergency plan from scratch, True Security Design provides many tools and services to assist organizations with emergency preparedness. Threat Vulnerability & Risk Assessments (TVRAs) through True Security Design are the first step in developing or refining a security program for an organization. Emergency preparedness can be taken a step further with Table Top Crisis Management Powered by SIMTactics. SIMTactics is a computerized crisis simulation software that helps organizations face potential disasters and deal with them in “simulated” real-time, better preparing personnel in the case of a real emergency. In partnership with True Security Design, expert professionals will analyze and assist in developing customized programs that meet the needs of your organization and ensure preparedness.
Looking to learn more about these services? Contact us to learn more!