The Perfect MNS Match: 6 Things to Look for in a Mass Notification System
By Stephanie Osorno, Marketing Copywriter at Alertus Technologies
Are you satisfied with your current Mass Notification System (MNS)? In celebration of Valentine’s Day, let’s determine your MNS relationship status.
Is it serious? Are you currently on the market for a more suitable match? Is it...complicated?
Every second counts when it comes to a potentially life-threatening situation. A comprehensive, flexible, and reliable MNS can help reduce response times and streamline your organization’s emergency notification process during a crisis.
Here are six important things to look for in your future MNS (you never know—it might just turn out to be the one):
Dear Future MNS,
1. Do you come with a single point of activation?
True, single-point of activation is crucial for rapid crisis communication. All emergency notification endpoints should be easily activated by just a click of a button. The easier your MNS activation is, the faster you can send out critical alerts and keep everyone safe.
2. Are you able to provide me with a multilayered and integrated mass notification system?
Make sure your MNS integrates with your current communication system to create a seamless emergency response for any circumstance. That way, in the event of an emergency, dispatchers can instantly send an alert from a single activation point to every available communication channel in your organization. This could be desktop computers, digital signage, fire alarm panels, speakers, or VoIP phones.
3. Will I be able to target a specific audience?
Not every emergency will affect the entire building, and some may even be too sensitive to broadcast to everyone. Targeting specific departments or groups within your MNS allows dispatchers to send alerts to only those who may be impacted.
4. Do you have both audible and visual notification options?
When selecting the appropriate MNS for your organization, it’s important to account for all individuals, including those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. By choosing an MNS that offers both audible and visual notification options through solutions such as Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, you’ll increase your chances of reaching everyone with timely communication.
5. Can I plan ahead with customized emergency templates?
Emergencies are unpredictable, but you can be proactive by planning ahead of time. With an MNS that comes with preset emergency templates, your organization will be able to customize an emergency message text for a wide range of emergencies — from severe weather to an active shooter incident.
Also See: 6 Alerting Templates Your Organization Needs to be Prepared for any Emergency
6. Do you include alerts for severe weather?
Don’t just rely on weather alerts from a weather radio or mobile device. A comprehensive MNS will have the capability to provide real-time weather updates and up-to-the-minute, site-specific warnings from AccuWeather Skyguard®, Severe Weather Warnings, and the NWS.
XOXO,
Intrigued Prospect
Alertus Mass Notification Solutions
Alertus offers a wide array of innovative notification solutions to facilitate comprehensive alerting, including the wall-mounted Alert Beacon®, LED Marquee, VoIP phone alerting, and mobile apps. These solutions effectively communicate emergency alerts throughout your organization to keep everyone safe.
Be sure to visit the Alertus Resources to learn how you and your team can better facilitate emergency management.