Sunday, August 22, 2010

Emergency Broadcast Alert


University campuses and schools are places where having an emergency broadcast alert system is very important. Because these locations usually involve large areas of space, it is vital that the broadcasting systems used are powerful enough to alert people in all areas of the property as to the possibility of danger. It is also important that emergency messages are able to be delivered in real time so that people have the best chance of avoiding harm.

It is an unfortunate fact that man-made and environmental disasters do occur on a disturbingly regular basis. They are usually unexpected and they often involve unstable elements that can be difficult to predict. The danger may come in the form of a cyclone, a terrorist situation, a fire, a chemical threat or a whole range of other scenarios. This is why having emergency broadcast alert capabilities is imperative. Emergency response personnel must be able to get a clear message out to everyone on the property advising them of the action that is required.

In emergency situations, stress levels are significantly increased when the people in the affected area don’t know what’s going on. Raised stress leads people to panic and this can increase the level of risk and potential harm. By making people aware of the situation and what is expected of them, you can reduce the levels of anxiety and panic. When the people involved are calm and in control, they are then much easier to manage. Having an emergency broadcast alert can allow you to give clear instructions which then reduces the likelihood of hysteria.

One of the major advantages of a wireless emergency communication system is that it enables the message sent to people inside the building to be updated instantly depending on the particular situation involved. You can have a pre-recorded message that is suitable for fairly straightforward scenarios. Alternatively, the message can be sent from a handheld device if the scenario is more unpredictable and the regular emergency procedures need to be changed.

The large distances involved on university campuses and schools makes them well suited for wireless technology. Using a system of loudspeakers and message receiver units you can easily set up an emergency broadcast alert structure that covers the entire territory. The message can be sent from a handheld radio device to the receiver units over a distance of up to 2 miles, and this can be extended by adding extra antenna to the receivers.

This is much preferable to installing complicated hardwire systems over the property. Wires would need to be installed under the ground or through the walls in buildings and this can be a very destructive and time-consuming process. Wires also have the additional complication of being easily corrodible and prone to damage. This means that you may be faced with the additional expense of replacing worn-out wiring over time. Wireless emergency broadcast alert systems have very little ongoing maintenance costs which usually makes them a much cheaper option when considered as a long-term investment.