Protect and Inform Your Staff with a Mass Notification System

Getting to the Right People Through Multiple Channels

Before mass communication systems, there were few ways to let staff know when an emergency arose or to address essential notifications regarding deadlines or operations. Mass emails weren’t always read in a timely manner when time was of the essence. 

The key? To connect with staff on their preferred channel of communication. 

Some common communication strategies include letting people know about a potential weather event, reminding them of an important meeting, warning them of an active shooter in the area, and informing them about traffic backups that could affect their travel time. Because these systems are commonly used in emergencies, it’s essential to differentiate between operational messaging and life-threatening communications.

Let’s explore what a mass notification system offers businesses in Allentown, PA.

SEE ALSO:  Here’s What You Need to Know About Intrusion Detection

Multiple Channels

One of the most essential features of these systems is the ability to reach out to staff where they are. In other words, delivering the message through the channel that offers the best chance that they will read it almost as soon as they receive it. The following represent some common platforms:

• SMS or Text Messaging
• Email
• Desktop Alerts
• Mobile App Alerts
• Phone Calls
• Social Media 

The other essential features are two-way audio communication and segmentation. Segmentation lets you send vital messages to specific groups, ensuring the information reaches the right people at the right time. This feature also allows you to segment people based on location using geotargeting.

Two-way communication allows your staff to reach out if they are in an unsafe environment or at risk, responding directly to your message. You can also tell when someone receives a message, if they’ve read it, and if they’ve responded. If there’s no answer, you can determine if the lack of response was because they didn’t receive the communication or are in trouble. 

These platforms are also commonly used to enhance operations by sending notifications requesting volunteers to fill in on shifts and maintaining continuity in response to an IT issue.

Critical Alerts

During emergency events that happen with little to no notice, reaching out in a timely manner is essential. Some of the common critical alerts include power outages, hazardous road conditions, and potential for tornado activity. This capability enables you to instruct employees on lifesaving strategies, such as evacuation or sheltering in place.

Staying Up to Date

Syncing your updated HR database with your mass notification system ensures all contact information is relevant. Undergoing a trial run before an emergency erupts is always a good idea. This process enables your team to make sure everyone receives an emergency alert and that, if someone doesn’t respond, procedures are in place to quickly evaluate their potential situation and send help if their lack of communication results from an injury or the inability to move freely.

At Eastern Time, Inc., we’ve been in the business of supporting companies during a crisis and ensuring optimized operational communications for over 40 years. To learn more about a mass notification system or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Eastern Time, Inc. today.