Emergency Notification Systems and Crisis Communication – Blog

Communication and information are essential tools in getting people to safety and minimizing the impacts of emergency situations. The reliability, speed, and accuracy of information are vital components in determining the effectiveness of communications. Crises like an unplanned outage, active shooter, or inclement weather all require the dissemination of accurate information at a moment’s notice. The success of your emergency response depends heavily on your preparation. If you have planned correctly, the execution of your response will be quick with minimal chance for error.

Of all the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act college and university communities most frequently associate it with the timely warning. As an original part of the 1990 law timely warnings have fundamentally changed how students and employees learn about campus crime in a way that is now firmly enshrined in their cultures as it is what they most frequently see. As a result, they now often expect to be warned about crimes including those that technically fall outside Clery geography but may nonetheless affect the campus. Addressing these expectations begins with a clear policy shaped with stakeholder input.

Manufacturers have some of the most stringent worker safety standards of any industry. The government regulations are rigorous, including those under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Given the inherent risks and dangers within manufacturing facilities – from electrical to chemical to nuclear – safety managers must have a crisis communication solution and company mass notification system that is purpose-built to save lives and prevent injuries.

No matter a venue’s purpose or location, there are bound to be all sorts of emergency incidents that occur. Whether that be weather-related events, active intruders, medical emergencies, or even the presence of dangerous animals. It is the responsibility of the organization to keep their constituents informed of emergencies and provide guidance as to the actions to be taken in the case of an emergency. This responsibility is synonymous to having fire alarms in your building, the display of exit plans, and the accompanying drills.

For most of us, when we hear severe winter weather we imagine sheets of white snow covering the roads — potentially allowing us to work from home or have the day off from work and school. Heavy snow is what many of us fear most when we think of winter weather. It can cause delays - or even cancellations - in our day to day lives. Although snowstorms can be brutal, organizations typically react as proactively as possible to prepare the roads, sidewalks, and parking lots with salt — and have the snow plows and shovels ready.

When was the last time you exercised your mass notification system? Six months ago? A year? Since no two organizations are exactly the same, it’s up to you to discover the best interval for testing your emergency notification system (ENS). Taking a look at how other organizations test their systems; however, can be quite helpful when making decisions regarding your emergency response.