AFTER THE INCIDENT, TOOLS FOR EMERGENCY REUNIFICATION

Many of the conversations concerning school security revolve around deterrence, detection, and de-escalation. While these are necessary topics that help school administrators spot flaws in existing procedures and systems, what happens when the dust clears?

Once the storm has passed, or the active shooter has been neutralized, how do you get everyone to safety? Emergency reunification is a critical element of your school’s safety protocols and procedures. The process involves compassion, efficient organization, practiced planning and effective communication.

 A national review notes that any plan you implement needs to be understood by the community at large before an event. The document states: "Individual and community preparedness is fundamental to the success of reunification efforts.”

Are you looking for a way to ensure everyone gets home after an event in your Bellaire, TX school system? Read more below to learn about strategies that help.

SEE ALSO: Does Your School System Need to Upgrade Its Existing Security System?

MAKE THE MESSAGE MATTER

A mass notification system is your most valuable tool when communicating quickly and effectively with the community. But in order to ensure swift action, you need to make sure that students, teachers, and especially parents read and understand the messages.

 A joint study by FEMA, DHHS, and the American Red Cross has shown that a large percentage of parents disregard an evacuation order and go directly to their child’s school. When parents are familiar with the emergency plans of their children, including the reunification elements, they are more likely to follow directions concerning reunion locations, making everyone safer.

MULTI-CHANNEL MESSAGING

Multi-channel messaging ensures that notifications reach the intended individuals. While most of us are logged on somewhere in today’s ultra-connected world, we may not all be plugged into the same place. For example, many folks ignore phone calls and voicemails while actively attending to text messages.

Utilizing a multi-channel messaging system, you can send emergency notifications through several platforms at the same time. Send messages via a phone call, push notification, text message, email, digital signage, and social media. When you provide essential information on more than one outlet, it increases the likelihood that your audience will receive it during an emergency.

GEOFENCING AND LOCATION MAPPING

Geofencing, a real-time GPS technology that specifies transmission boundaries, is incredibly useful when you need messages to reach a larger geographic area. For example, you may need to notify several school zones during severe weather to evacuate or seek protective shelter and provide clear instructions on reuniting afterward.

Location mapping is a frequently used process that allows you to message recipients by their specific addresses. This method is suitable for hyper-local notifications, informing residents of issues in their immediate vicinity, regardless of the technique used - knowing who you are trying to reach and why is vital.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Reunification of students and faculty with their loved ones is the ultimate goal for any security team. Understanding that it takes a combination of technology and pre-emptive outreach, you can be confident in providing a smooth transition. To learn more, set up a consultation with our team by calling (877) 418-ASAP or filling out our contact form to start the conversation. We look forward to working with you!