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Emergency Notification Systems
Exploring Emergency Notification Systems: Beyond Fire Prevention to Comprehensive Safety Alerts
Discussion concerning fire protection systems often focuses on prevention equipment, such as sprinklers, extinguishers, and suppression devices. Another important piece of fire protection is an emergency notification system. We are familiar with some simple emergency notification systems. Alarms tied to pull boxes or smoke detectors are quite familiar.
A more robust notification system pushes notices out over a variety of platforms to alert a lot of people simultaneously of imminent danger, while notifying crews of the problem, and informing local emergency responders of the danger or potential of danger. Let’s explore the options available in emergency notification systems.
We are somewhat familiar with the concept of directed emergency notifications. Cell phones in the US are connected to:
- The National Weather Service’s Wireless Emergency Alert system for hurricane and tornado warnings
- Law enforcement agencies use of Amber Alerts
A message is pushed out simultaneously to millions of cell phones at once. These alerts save lives and help prevent bad things from happening to our most vulnerable members of society. These systems are extremely adaptable, sending valuable communications to prevent a broad range of dangers.
Helpful But Not Required
Currently, OSHA does not require the installation of emergency notification systems, but they are excellent additions to the total fire/emergency protection system for any business. Notifications can send information to staff and guests concerning evacuation, which helps a business comply with other OSHA codes and compliances.
Every business owner values the lives and safety of people, and no manager willingly places their facility at risk. The industries that deal with flammable products, such as oil and gas, or chemical manufacturers have been the first to appreciate the safety emergency notification added to their business model.
Emergency Notification Systems Are Scalable
Emergency notifications can be sent to everyone on a school campus or sent county-wide. For that matter, there is no limit to the reach; they can be sent state-wide, nationally, and even internationally. The messages can be sent to a limited list of phones or all phones (or computers) in a specified area. They are scalable and can grow as the company’s assets expand.
Broad Platform Emergency Notification Systems Options
- Emergency messages can be sent to a broad range of communication devices and applications: SMS, emails, and mobile apps such as WhatsApp or MS Teams.
- A unified text and voice message can be pushed to multiple applications simultaneously.
- Do you need two-way communication for live updates? That can be programmed into the notification system.
Message Emergency Notification Systems Options
Various facilities will experience different types of risks. It is best to build as many message options as possible.
- Notifications can be set up for a variety of emergencies: criminal actions in progress, weather warnings, gas leaks, and, of course, fire events.
- Multiple messages can be sent at once: a general evacuation notice can be sent, directing staff to a predetermined location, while also directing safety crews to the danger area to avoid or mitigate the problem.
- It is best to also program notifications to the local ambulance and fire services, as well as utility companies for emergency shutoff services.
- As events unfold, updated information can be pushed to everyone relevant to the developing situation.
Planning Not to Use Your Emergency Notification Systems
Of course, the goal is to never be required to put the emergency notification system into action. That takes training and drilling of preventative measures and mitigation plans. It will also require testing and drilling for the notification system to avoid messaging mistakes and misunderstandings.
Enhancing Fire Safety: The Importance of Emergency Notification Systems for Businesses
Emergency notification systems play a crucial role in fire protection by alerting people to imminent dangers and notifying emergency responders. While OSHA doesn’t require these systems, they are a valuable addition to any safety plan, especially for industries dealing with hazardous materials. These scalable systems can send alerts across various platforms and provide real-time updates, helping businesses protect lives and comply with safety regulations.
Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form, and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your Emergency Notification Systems questions.