Build Community Trust With A Reliable Emergency Communication System

School leaders know the critical role emergency communications play in ensuring the safety and security of students and staff. Knowledge is power during critical situations, so the faster information is communicated, the parents and community members trust the school.

A modern emergency communication system is invaluable for sharing fast and reliable communications. Choosing the right system to meet specific needs is essential for schools in Lubbock, TX, and surrounding areas. Continue reading to understand how a reliable emergency communications system can support the school’s effort to establish trust within the community and how to select a system to meet your needs.

SEE ALSO: School Districts Begin Implementing Vital Security Changes

What Are Your Communication Needs?

Every school district has its own unique challenges when it comes to communications. Before choosing an emergency system, consider these questions to gauge your school’s needs.

What size is our district?

The size of your school district will influence your selection of an emergency communication system. Larger schools will require a more comprehensive system to handle a higher number of notifications and a more complex IT infrastructure. A smaller school, however, may select a more basic system, keeping costs in mind.

What are preferred communication channels?

How do parents in your district interact with communications? Do they prefer SMS, email, phone calls, mobile app alerts, or something else? Choosing the proper communication channels is vital to ensuring your emergency messages are quickly received.

Do you have the opportunity for system integration?

If you already have other security systems, will this emergency communication system work more effectively after integration? Consider how it could respond faster if connected to an attendance platform or emergency lockdown system.

Key Features for Schools

Choosing the right system will also involve these essential features for schools:

• Maximum uptime and dependability—ongoing system monitoring
• User-friendly interface for notifications
• Multi-channel alerts—the ability to send SMS, email, phone, app notifications, etc.
• Real-time reporting
• Bilingual capabilities for communicating with a diverse community
• Ability for parents and community members to respond in emergencies. Two-way communication allows for accurate reports and requests for help. 

When selecting the best emergency communication system for your Lubbock, TX, area school, consider all potential use cases carefully. With the right system, you can send timely, accurate, and trustworthy communications that your school community will appreciate.

More Resources to Check Out

Learn more about the topic of emergency communications on our podcast, SecurED. In the episode “The Lifeline of Crisis Management: Effective Communications,” our host and guest discuss the importance of effective communication during a security crisis and the resulting community distrust that can build up over time when there’s been a lack of good communication.

Contact us to learn more about school emergency communication systems and best practices for effective school communications.