In this featured piece by Campus Safety Magazine, Paul Shain, president and CEO of Singlewire Software, explains what works and what doesn’t when campuses deploy mass notification solutions. He describes how relying on a single communication method, like SMS text or email alone, often fails to reach people in time, while stitching together multiple disconnected point solutions can create delays and inconsistent messaging during an emergency. Shain recommends solutions that support pre-drafted messages, integrate with existing hardware like desk phones, digital signage, and speakers, and extend beyond emergency use to daily operations so staff stay familiar with the tools. He also covers how mass notification systems can integrate with IoT devices, such as door locks and AED cabinets, and emphasizes the importance of regular testing and after-action reporting to improve future response.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Shain, president and CEO of Singlewire Software, writes that relying on a single communication method, such as SMS text or email alone, often fails to reach people quickly enough during an emergency.
- Using multiple disconnected mass notification solutions can create delays and inconsistent messaging, since different tools may require separate activation and use different language to describe the same event.
- Mass notification systems that support drafting and storing messages ahead of time help ensure people receive complete, accurate information during a crisis.
- Systems that extend beyond emergency use to daily operations, such as bell schedules or automated announcements, keep staff familiar with the tools before a real emergency occurs.
- Mass notification can integrate with IoT devices, such as electronic door locks or AED cabinet sensors, to trigger additional safety measures automatically during an event.
Original Story
Emergency communications are complex and require sophisticated tools to generate effective results.
Most campuses know they need solutions that help them communicate critical information during an emergency. That’s why many have turned to mass notification tools to help spread the word quickly during a crisis. However, not all tools are created equal, and without a thorough strategy, campuses may discover there are gaps that impede their ability to share messages with everyone. This can unintentionally put people in harm’s way.
When considering what works and what doesn’t for mass notification, it’s important to keep in mind that no two campuses are the same. These are general guidelines for what each campus should strive for, but there are nuances that campus leaders will need to consider given the size of their facilities and population.