Digital signage offers unparalleled advantages in delivering timely security and emergency information. From sharing real-time emergency notifications to access control to emergency preparedness, a digital signage network managed by a software platform like Omnivex Ink can effectively communicate critical information broadly and to a targeted audience. Let's look at 5 powerful ways to leverage digital signage for security and emergency notifications in your organization, regardless of industry.
Real-time Emergency Alerts and Instructions
Integrate your digital signage screens with your audio alarm system and leverage them to provide visual emergency notifications and instructions to people during emergencies. Quickly communicate critical information, such as evacuation routes and exits, type of emergency, meeting points, situation updates, and more. Ensure everyone receives clear, real-time guidance and can take appropriate actions.
For example, in a shopping mall, digital signage at key locations, such as entrances and common areas, can be leveraged during a fire alarm to communicate essential instructions. Connecting fire alarms and other emergency notifications with a digital signage platform enables the screen content when triggered, to be taken over to show evacuation routes, assembly points, and safety instructions, ensuring that shoppers and employees can quickly and safely exit the building.
Access Control and Visitor Management
Digital signage can play a crucial role in access control and visitor management systems, improving security protocols within a facility. Integrating digital displays with access control systems lets your organization display information about authorized personnel, visitor registration procedures, and access restrictions. This helps enforce security measures and ensures that individuals know the necessary protocols to gain entry to specific areas. Additionally, digital signage can broadcast real-time updates on access status, such as lockdowns or restricted zones, enhancing overall security.
For example, in a corporate office, digital signage in the reception area can instruct visitors on how to check in, including identification requirements and registration processes. Connect with other communications systems to notify employees their guest has arrived or with a printer to print a name badge. The digital signage can also showcase the current access status for different building areas, helping employees and visitors navigate through secure zones.
Training and Emergency Preparedness
Digital signage serves as an effective tool for training employees and stakeholders in security protocols and emergency preparedness. By using dynamic visuals and interactive content, organizations can deliver engaging training modules, safety videos, and emergency response simulations as regularly scheduled content on screens in areas such as breakrooms or screens throughout the organizations. These materials not only educate individuals about security procedures but also memorably reinforce crucial information. In an emergency, the knowledge gained from these training resources can significantly improve response times and minimize risks.
For example, a hospital can utilize interactive digital screens in its staff break rooms to provide training on emergency procedures, such as responding to medical emergencies or handling aggressive patients. Employees can access these modules during breaks, reinforcing their knowledge and readiness. Additionally, general emergency procedures and safety information can play as regularly scheduled content on screens throughout any organization or facility.
Public Safety Announcements and Alerts
Digital signage provides an ideal platform for broadcasting public safety announcements and alerts to a broader audience. Organizations can collaborate with local authorities or emergency services to disseminate vital information during natural disasters, public health emergencies, or community-wide security concerns. By leveraging the visibility and reach of digital displays, timely communication of evacuation routes, shelter locations, weather updates, health guidelines, or security risks can help protect and inform the public effectively. Additionally, some digital signage platforms can push information to mobile phone screens. This puts emergency alerts and notifications in the hands of people where and when they need them.
For example, during severe weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes, public-facing digital signage displays in areas such as parks, streets, municipal buildings, and transit stops can be leveraged to broadcast critical real-time information. Share weather alerts, evacuation instructions, and information on shelters, ensuring residents receive crucial information to stay safe.
Integration with Mass Notification Systems
Digital signage can be seamlessly integrated with mass notification systems (MNS), such as Everbridge, enhancing their effectiveness in delivering emergency notifications. MNS platforms can send alerts to digital displays, ensuring critical information is immediately visible to people in high-traffic areas. This integration allows for consistent messaging across multiple communication channels, maximizing the reach and impact of emergency notifications.
For example, a university can integrate its mass notification system with its digital signage network. In a situation such as an active shooter, the MNS triggers the digital displays to show emergency alerts, directing students and faculty to secure locations and providing real-time updates on the situation.
Digital signage is a versatile and powerful tool for enhancing security measures and delivering timely emergency notifications. The examples provided demonstrate the practical applications of digital signage in various contexts, showcasing its effectiveness in improving real-time alerts, access control, training, public safety announcements, and integration with notification systems. By leveraging digital signage capabilities, organizations can significantly enhance their security infrastructure, better protect their stakeholders, and respond effectively to emergencies.
