Picture this: An emergency – whether it be an earthquake or a mass shooting – happens at your workplace. Will your employees know what to do?
According to some recent surveys, the chances are slim.
Nearly 60% of Americans surveyed said they wouldn’t know how to respond in case of an emergency at work, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
That’s where emergency paging systems come into play.
OSHA requires businesses to alert employees in case of emergencies, and the safety agency clarifies which communications methods should be used, including a public address system or portable radio units.
Nowadays, P.A. systems and radio units are antiquated and many businesses are investing in emergency paging systems to get the job done.
But not all emergency paging system software is made equal. When disasters happen, you want the best type of software so that your emergency response center can react quickly and effectively.
Here are four features that every paging systems software must have:
1. Two-Way Communication
Pushing out alerts from your emergency response center is one thing, but a robust emergency pager system also allows your workers to respond to the notifications. Two-way communication lets workers acknowledge receipt of the messages and send feedback, which is critical when an emergency or a disaster strikes.
2. Ability to Create Templates
When an emergency happens, you’ll be a lot better off if you’ve planned ahead. That’s why your emergency paging system should have the capability to create templates. Establish templates for emergencies you may face, which will allow you to send out the notifications without delay.
3. It’s Accessible for Mobile Devices
Most people today are tethered to their smartphones, which is exactly why your emergency paging system software should reach people on their mobile devices. While hunkered down in your emergency response center, a great system will allow you to reach workers both inside and outside your buildings within a single interface.
Also, don’t forget about new technologies, such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). If your company uses VoIP, which allows you to make telephone calls over the internet, ensure that the VoIP is integrated with your emergency pager system. VoIP is a great telecom advancement, and VoIP traffic was estimated to reach 158 petrabytes per month in 2016. But your telecom and VoIP must synch with your system so that notifications are seen by everyone.
4. Speed
During an emergency, every second counts. That’s why your software should be easy to use and should be capable of sending notifications to thousands of recipients quickly. The fewer clicks and maneuvers to send a message, the better.
Contact AVS Installations today to learn more about the right emergency response center for your company.