When emergencies strike, your organization needs to communicate urgent problems immediately. That’s why it’s essential to consider an emergency notification system (also known as an “emergency communication system”). With today’s technology—mobile phones, email, and the internet—people expect to know instantly when something critical happens. Schools, daycare programs, and businesses must get accurate information to everyone affected as soon as possible. Whether a rain delay, gas leak, fire, intruder, or another unexpected event, fast communication is a must.
Planning ahead and having an emergency notification system saves time, and every second counts during a crisis.
What Does an Emergency Notification System Do?
Emergency notification systems allow you to set up multiple notifications and workflows that can be deployed from a mobile phone. The cloud-based software lets you:
- Create emergency plans using a standard template or developing your own.
- Set up access for authorized individuals to enable them to send notifications and adjust the plan if necessary.
- Import a list of contacts or groups who should receive notifications.
- Send notifications through multiple messaging platforms (text alerts, email messages, voice messages, etc.).
After receiving a message, recipients can:
- View an evacuation route and get additional instructions.
- Respond to notifications to identify if they need help, are OK, or are at home.
After an emergency is resolved, a report is created, detailing all of the actions and steps that were taken. This provides information to staff, board members, insurance companies, and other stakeholders about what happened, who was involved, and what they did and said.
Note that the features and capabilities of emergency notification systems may vary by provider. The emergency communication system that we offer at Laser Lab does everything we shared above and more. Laser Lab’s Emergency Communication System is a live system with plans, simulation schedules, and audit logs of all activities. It includes a “roll call” function, which allows you to see who has opened and responded to notifications.
When to Use an Emergency Communication System
Below are examples of situations when organizations need an emergency communication system.
Active Shooter
This is a scary scenario that, sadly, can impact any organization. When putting an active shooter notification plan together, consider the actions that you want people to take to remain safe, how to convey a clear understanding of the threat, and who people should contact for help.
Fires and Chemical Spills
An organization’s employees and visitors must evacuate as quickly as possible under these circumstances. An emergency communication system will inform employees to follow designated evacuation routes and remain outside the building until they have received an “all-clear” notification.
Weather Events
Inclement weather can impact schedules and safety. Schools or businesses may close early due to snow, people may be required to seek shelter during a tornado, and roads may be inaccessible due to flooding. Sending a mass notification lets people know about delays or danger so that they can modify their plans or follow directions to remain safe.
Power and IT Outages
No business is immune to these unwelcome occurrences that can cause:
- Lost productivity
- Lost revenue
- Lost customers
- Damaged reputation
By relaying information quickly to employees through an emergency alert notification, a business can take proactive steps toward managing the situation.
Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches
Hackers continually seek ways to exploit data security weaknesses. It is estimated that 60 percent of businesses have fallen prey to cyber attacks. Organizations should have a plan in place to communicate with employees should such an attack occur. An emergency notification system can inform employees and provide instructions for bringing systems back online and working with customers through the process.
Road Closures
Accidents, construction, and other road issues can prevent employees from getting to your office or other job-related destination. Mass communications about road closures can help manage drivers, fleet services, and deliveries in situations like these.
Get Peace of Mind with Laser Lab
Eliminate the risks of a disastrous fallout due to a failure to communicate in the event of an emergency. Contact Laser Lab to learn more about our Emergency Communication System and discuss how we can help your organization manage the unexpected smoothly and safely.