How Emergency Notification Systems Help Students & Staff Stay Safe

Whether there’s a storm approaching or a threat on campus, everyone is safest when they know what is going on and what to do. You’ll reduce panic and confusion in these situations through emergency notification systems that alert the entire school with vital information. If you Memorial, TX area school is not equipped with a notification system, you may want to consider implementing one soon.

Beyond emergencies, notifications are also useful for low-stakes updates to always keep your students and staff in the loop with valuable information. To see how your school could benefit from an upgraded security system, continue reading below!

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How Mass Alerts Work

An automated notification system is a software system that provides a simple interface to send messages to any sized audience on any device, including PCs, phones, tablets, etc. Alerts can be sent in the form of text messages, emails, push notifications, phone calls, and in-building alarms, depending on which suits the situation best. You can always combine methods, too; if school is closed, send an automated voice mail and a text message to ensure its heard. Two-way messaging features include read receipts and surveys, so you can see how much of the school read your message and collect responses when necessary.

Times It Can Help

As unpredictable as life can be, there are countless scenarios in which a notification system can ease panic and possibly save lives. Intercoms are useful in single-building schools to notify students and teachers about threats, fires, and drills. But if your campus houses multiple buildings, or if an emergency occurs before school or while a group is on a field trip, a mass notification will let everyone know when and where it occurred. If there’s a dangerous storm approaching town, alerts can warn families and staff to stay safe or notify everyone that classes have been canceled or delayed.

Mass alerts can also be used for situations with lower stakes, like IT outages, travel disruptions, early dismissals, school cancellations, and schedule updates. Alerts can be sent as reminders, too. So, if it’s the last day to register for classes or a half-day, you’ll remind everyone from college students to kindergarten parents in an instant.

The Right Way to Send Notifications

In an emergency, a mass notification should alleviate chaos and confusion, and not create more of it. Successful messages or phone calls should briefly communicate the purpose, provide resources for additional information, or guidance towards two-way communication. The message should be concise enough to avoid confusion or slow the audience. Alerts should also be written in a professional, relaxed tone. Alert software often includes pre-written templates, which will make the task swifter and less stressful for administrators.

Does your school or university require emergency notification systems? ASAP Security Services is here to help. Call us today at (877) 418-ASAP or fill out our contact form here.

We look forward to speaking with you soon about your school’s safety!