Volume 13
This knowledge can help personnel make decisions about the type of access control technology they need in place and where it should be located within the facility .
Mass Communication
Having a clear line of communication is crucial in every emergency so it is important to think about mass notification as a comprehensive system rather than a singular solution .
Mass notification allows for the delivery of varied and customized communications to large groups of people sharing a commonality .
Although many people tend to associate mass notification with fire alarms and text message alerts , today ’ s systems can incorporate many other modes of communication from an email notification to strobe lights or automated phone calls , making it perfect for government facilities of all levels .
June 2017 Edition
Mass notification systems offer options from wide spread audio messaging to targeted text messaging sent to only approved personnel .
Testing
Fire and life safety systems require regular maintenance to ensure performance .
Opt for a licensed fire and life-safety inspector to oversee full system maintenance to guarantee you are up-to-code and meeting all regulations . This third-party testing assures facility managers that their fire and life safety systems are in proper working order and can function in the event of an emergency .
Whether you oversee safety for a public government facility or a high security private one , checking off these four steps can greatly improve safety for all .
( Courtesy of MassAlert by ATI Systems )
Emergency situations are stressful for everyone involved , having clear direction helps mitigate panic and better ensures the safety of everyone involved .
However , government facilities can face added challenges when it comes to communicating in the event of an emergency .
A courthouse and a military base will have different regulations around what knowledge can be shared , for instance , so it is important to consider how technology can be tailored for an individual facility ’ s unique needs .
About the Author As vice president and general manager , security , for Johnson Controls ’ Building Technologies & Solutions , North America , Joe Oliveri manages the full P & L responsibility for the security business in the U . S . and Canada .
He also leads the company ’ s Advanced Integration Business and plays an integral role in the company ’ s network of security innovation programs , including centers in Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv , Israel .
Joe holds a Master ’ s Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a Bachelor ’ s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute . 48