Page 73 - Security Today, January/February 2020

“A well-planned and implemented notification system using multiple communication methods may reduce property damage, limit injuries and prevent deaths during an emergency situation.”
of fire alarm systems as well as addressing requirements for emergency notification sys- tems. The system’s ability to broadcast voice or text messages is vital. Why? Because it is most people’s natural inclination to flee after hearing a siren.
A good example was the 2018 shooting at Florida’s Stoneman Douglas High School that left 14 students and three staff mem- bers dead. The shooter had pulled the fire alarm box to lure students out of the class- rooms. Within seconds a school staff mem- ber initiated a code red lockdown. The con- tradictory alarms led to mass confusion. NFPA 72, adopted in 2019, now allows emergency notification messages to super- sede all other alarms.
Speaker arrays. High-power speaker arrays are a great way to share outdoor emer- gency information on larger campuses. The tower-mounted speakers can deliver intelli- gible live and pre-recorded messages at dis- tances of up to a quarter of a mile or more, depending upon topography. The speakers can be mounted for omni-directional and directional coverage.
A few properly placed arrays may be enough to cover even the largest campuses. In addition to providing emergency instruc- tions, these speakers can be used for crowd control at special events. The voice compo- nent can also be used in conjunction with sirens used to gain people’s attention.
Intercoms. Intercom-based emergency stations are used primarily to gain assistance during an emergency. Since they enable two- way conversation, these stations are techni- cally considered emergency communica- tions systems. Station speakers are not a match for a speaker array system, but they can provide an additional source of emer- gency instructions. People can report real- time events directly to campus security, shortening response times. Embedded cam- eras provide additional views of an area to help staff make better dispatch decisions.
Stations can be mounted directly to a building, such as a dormitory, and are ideal for use in parking garages, stairwells and elevator bays. Embedded in a tower, they can be placed virtually anywhere outdoors and are easily recognized by a bright blue light atop each unit.
They are easy to set up and connect to a campus network using CAT-5e/6 cable,
which also enables them to draw power over the Ethernet. Stations are on and available 24/7 and require no POTS lines, saving monthly phone costs. Available smartphone apps enable security staff to maintain access to stations while on patrol.
Audio intercoms, already in place in many campus buildings, provide information to people who are indoors during an emergen- cy. Powered horns and speakers can be used to extend an intercom’s range to include entries, courtyards, playgrounds and other outdoor areas.
Phone apps. The proliferation of smart- phones on campus led to the development of hundreds of emergency apps, many devel- oped for a specific site with campus maps and contact information. Campus adminis- trators may use the apps to contact people with text, voice and email messages. They can also be used to contact people prior to arriving at the campus, alerting them to an emergency and advising them to stay away until the situation has been resolved. They also are used to contact security during an emergency.
However, only people who have enrolled in the system database and downloaded the app can use the solution. This may eliminate many students, employees and visitors. There are some other potential downsides to the apps.
Weather, topography and the proximity of cellular towers can affect signal quality. Remote areas on some large campuses may lack cellular coverage. Phones are of no use if the battery is dead and they can also be dif- ficult to remove from a pocket, purse or backpack if a person is fleeing an emergency.
Electronic signs. Electronic LED signs at major pedestrian and vehicular entries can warn people to stay away. Placing them at strategic sites around campus is another way of reaching people, particularly those with hearing difficulties. Solar panels can help power the signs even during a campus blackout.
Drones. Drones are most often thought of for their ability to capture impressive aerial video. However, emerging technology is tak- ing emergency notification systems to new levels with the use of UAS (Unmanned Aeri- al Systems) and UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) drones.
Aerial drones may provide emergency responders with an overview of the situation
and assist them in dispatching UGVs into potentially perilous situations without put- ting additional people in danger.
Both aerial and ground drones can estab- lish bi-directional communications and pro- vide survival kits for people trapped by events. Drones can act as mobile sirens and, if equipped with speakers, may share voice information over small areas at a time. Aerial drones can hover over remote areas to pro- vide instant 4G mobile coverage so people can receive smartphone text and voice mes- sages. But before investing in drones for emergency notification purposes, be sure to check on local regulations regarding their use to ensure they will not interfere with other public agency UAS units.
Notification services. Some larger college and university campuses use private services that alert top administrators to emergency situations while they are off campus. The ser- vices monitor tweets and news posts from government agencies, media organizations and other sources to identify situations that may put administrators at risk.
Alerts may even include traffic reports, flight delays and other nonemergency infor- mation. Subjects are tracked via their smart- phone’s GPS system.
Other tips. Assign roles for campus staff and then conduct regular drills to train members on the proper use of the emergency notification systems. Assign specific roles for each person and have backups trained in case a primary contact becomes unavailable. Test all equipment often to ensure it will be properly working when needed.
Work closely with local first responders and media. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics will handle an active situation and care for any injuries. When regularly updated, the media can help inform rela- tives, friends and others of the need to stay away from the campus until the emergency has abated.
There is no one system for all campus emergency notification needs. But a well- planned and implemented notification sys- tem using multiple communication methods may reduce property damage, limit injuries and prevent deaths during an emergency situation.
Paul Hefty is a technical sales and support engineer II for Aiphone Corp.
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