Page 89 - Security Today, July/August 2022

for voice amplification and PA, allowing schools to maintain some existing and well-functioning components. This ensures all of the speakers within the system can communicate at the same time, with consistent messaging throughout the entire campus.
Once the system is set up—which an expert can do easily and cost- effectively—it becomes easy to upgrade in stages, future-proofing the mass communication system as the network or campus expands. A well-networked system that is easy to use also ensures that staff members can quickly and simply access the system, regardless of their level of proficiency, with fail-safes in place to compensate for human error in high-pressure situations.
The option to access controls from mobile devices allows personnel to readily operate systems remotely, ensuring that information continues to be shared when circumstances prevent staff from reaching the paging microphones and other equipment used to trigger an emergency alert.
At the same time, automation protocols provide assurance that life safety systems operate without disruption. During an emergency, automatic overrides clear the way for announcements to take precedence over whatever other communications may be going out at that moment. Broadcasting pre-recorded announcements eases some of the pressure in emergency situations, reducing the possibility for
human error and speeding up potential response times by police, fire, and other authorities.
Integrating public address and safety into one mass communications system not only simplifies setup and networking, but also streamlines maintenance and inspections concerns. A mass communication system operates with greater frequency than a dedicated fire alarm system that only gets used in an emergency.
While the frequency of emergency systems testing is subject to legal requirements and regulations, they generally remain dormant until the time they are really and truly needed.
However, that’s not the case with a general-use public address system. Every time an announcement is made, it’s another chance to re-confirm the functionality of communications equipment on campus, giving administrators valuable peace of mind they'll be ready the next time disaster strikes.
Combining Sounds and Visuals Ensures Alerts Reach All
A fully robust emergency alert system takes into account how sound carries through the various indoor and outdoor environments that make up a modern campus. Integrating ambient noise sensors overcomes these limitations by constantly monitoring the background levels in a particular area and adjusting the volume of the speaker
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