Redundancy in an Emergency

Emergency sirens begin to blare from atop poles scattered across a city or a university campus.  No doubt there is an emergency.  But is it an approaching tornado?  A flash flood?  A toxic chemical spill?   A terrorist attack?  It may be one of dozens of other scenarios, each of which might require a different response from citizens or students.

According to Mark Nelson, manager of business development for ADT Security Services, sirens are very good for one thing – gaining a person’s attention.  But without more information, a siren may do more harm than good.

“That’s where mass notification systems play a major role,” he said.  “And rather than relay on one single technology, it’s best to take advantage of redundant systems that increase the likelihood that information will reach people when they most need it.”

Nelson said a Web-based system can simultaneously send thousands of messages to people’s cell phones, landlines, PDAs, laptop and desktop computers, giving residents and students immediate information and instructions on what protective action to take. 

But during an emergency, both wired and cellular phone lines may become overloaded and temporarily crash.  That’s when other systems continue to provide vital instructions.

Outdoor voice communications systems utilizing specialized speaker technology provide intelligible voice commands that can be clearly heard up to a quarter-mile away, Nelson said.  These speakers can be permanently mounted on poles or buildings or on a trailer for portability. 

Nelson said there are other ways to inform people during an emergency.  LED signage can be used to alert drivers about to enter a dangerous zone.  Many college and university campuses have their own radio and/or television stations that can be called upon to broadcast emergency announcements.  On a city or county level, broadcast and cable-based television and radio stations could be asked to help disseminate information.

“In an emergency, when people are in danger, information is extremely critical,” he said.  “By using redundant systems and outlets, lives may be saved and property damage limited.”

-- PSW staff

About the Author

PublicSafetyWatch blog

The PublicSafetyWatch blog is sponsored by ADT Security Services, Inc. ('ADT') and SecurityInfoWatch.com with contributions from SecurityInfoWatch.com staff editors, ADT, public safety and security industry experts and professionals. The purpose of the blog is to discuss security related topics such as school security, municipal surveillance, public transportation security, public safety security concerns, and security innovations. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the PublicSafetyWatch blog are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of SecurityInfoWatch.com, Cygnus Business media, Inc., or ADT Security Services, Inc. or any of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees or agents (the 'Sponsors'). The Sponsors do not endorse nor are they responsible for any opinions, advice, content, omissions, hyperlinks, images, articles, information or statements made or displayed within this blog by third parties. The Sponsors reserve the right to delete, withhold from publication, or edit any comment for any reason whatsoever. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Sponsors make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis with no warranties. Terms and Conditions of Use: By reading, viewing, accessing, contributing or otherwise using this blog, you acknowledge the foregoing Disclaimer and agree to these Terms of Use. All information published shall become the property of the Sponsors. You are granted a nonexclusive, nontransferable, limited right to access, use and display the blog and the materials provided hereon, provided that you comply fully with these Terms and Conditions of Use. Under no circumstances shall the Sponsors, contributors or suppliers, or their agents, be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any information contained within this blog. The Sponsors will attempt to respond to specific issues, questions, complaints, or concerns that are brought to their attention; however, the Sponsors have no obligation to monitor any content displayed/posted on this blog.