Page 113 - Security Today, July/August 2022

medical incident. For example, the American Heart Association cites research showing that survival rates for cardiac arrest patients fall 7 percent to 10 percent for every untreat- ed minute.
An alert system should require very few steps for any staff member to request help. One-touch activation by clicking a single button on a body-worn device is simpler and faster than retrieving a phone from a drawer or pocket, turning it on, authenticating, and launching an app—especially under duress. Those seconds are precious when a safety incident or threat unfolds.
4. Quickly Communicate Precise Information
Technology can automate the rapid sharing of information critical to responders and everyone affected. For a teacher in the panic of an emergency, verbally relaying even basic information such as name and location can be difficult. Alert devices and apps should be assigned to specific users, identifying them
automatically when they request help. Notification solutions should also be able to pinpoint and communicate the exact loca- tion during an emergency. This is an area where technology innovation significantly advances the capabilities of school alert and notification solutions. GPS solutions are not able to identify locations to the exact room. Advanced private security networks can communicate the exact floor and room information without reliance on WiFi or cel- lular coverage, directing responders to react
quickly and precisely.
5. Communicate Clearly
to the Entire School Community
Schools have many ways to show and broad- cast critical information to everyone who needs it during an emergency. Solutions should reach the eyes and ears of the most people possible, quickly and reliably.
Intercom announcements often inform and direct people during these types of
events. Automated, pre-recorded announce- ments specific to each type of incident ensure a clear, complete, and concise message. They also eliminate potential confusion or delays of a manual message, particularly if adminis- trators are not able to get to the intercom.
Interior and exterior strobe lights can alert people on playgrounds, in restrooms, or arriv- ing to campus that an incident is underway. Instructional messages displayed on comput- ers and phones can also be extremely beneficial to those on campus not well versed in proto- cols (substitute teachers, volunteers, visitors) who require more complete information.
Administrators often receive incident information from local authorities when they are away from campus, so they must be able to initiate communications and proper responses to incidents remotely. Systems also should link directly to local police, paramed- ics, EMTs, and other certified first respond- ers. The key is maximizing awareness and information to all those affected.
Recommendations
School emergency alert systems can get cru- cial help to the scene quickly, no matter the nature of the safety event. We recommend that school systems:
• Assess and prioritize the most likely risks and threats in your schools.
• Create a blueprint for what an emergency alert and communications system must do to best address those threats.
• Consider the capabilities and limitations of the many solutions available and map their capabilities to your school system’s priori- ties and requirements.
• Seek a solution that is fast, ready, and avail- able anytime, anywhere in or outside of the school building.
• Assess tools your schools already have (such as radio systems) and how they can complement a more complete response solution.
• Confirm that your plan and systems will inform students, administrators, parents, teachers, and emergency responders quick- ly in every possible way during any type of school safety situation.
Dean Olds holds the position of VP of Product Innovation and Strategy. A serial entrepre- neur, his solutions are in thousands of class- rooms and commercial buildings across the country. Olds is responsible for elevating the customer experience by providing leadership in product development, strategic direction and partnerships, and the overall execution of delivering our intuitive and impactful solution offerings. He holds an Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering degree from Herzing University.
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