Page 16 - Security Today, September 2019

Automating Emergency Communication
A cell phone is not an emergency communication plan
BFy Joe Byron
or campuses nationwide, emergency communication planning is not a topic that is taken lightly, nor should it be. Simply having an up-to-date plan for a crisis can be the key to not only limiting damage but potentially saving lives. Whether it be an active shooter scenario or
inclement weather, the ability to efficiently communicate with faculty, students, parents and law enforcement simultaneously is crucial. For many administrators and decision-makers, it is plain to see when a video surveillance or access control system is obsolete and in need of an upgrade. Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy to recognize an outdated emergency communication plan.
With the popularity of smartphones, some are led to believe that simply having access to a cell phone is, in and of itself, an emergency communication “plan.” This could not be further from the truth. When a threat strikes, it can be difficult to know the proper workflow, such as who, if anyone, has been designated to contact authorities and what details they are able to share.
The lack of clarity, combined with issues surrounding cell signal
14
0919 | SECURITY TODAY
and battery life, will only lead institutions to be woefully underpre- pared. Past incidents have proven that excessive phone use during emergencies often causes networks to overload and shut down, ren- dering a phone all but useless.
In order to create a unified emergency communication procedure for a campus, intelligence and strategy are necessary components. In- ternet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) have emerged as invaluable tools for institutions to maximize resources and minimize risks. By developing the correct infrastructure, utilizing the right technology and applying strategi- cally automated procedures, administrators can easily configure an emergency plan that works for their campus.
Understanding IoT & PLDs
The Internet of Things (IoT) has long since arrived in the security industry. Yet some still struggle to define the ways IoT can solve prob- lems that end-users and integrators commonly face. So, what is IoT and what exactly can it do for security deployments? The Internet
INTERNET OF THINGS
robertindiana/Shutterstock.com