By Kara Stamets, Content Marketing Specialist at Alertus Technologies

Front office staff play an integral role in maintaining business operations. They are often the first and last point of contact for visitors, are typically located on the first level of office buildings or educational facilities, or may work in lobbies facing busy main streets. Individuals in this role tend to handle tasks like answering phones, greeting visitors, and handling mail deliveries, placing them in vulnerable situations with a higher likelihood of encountering theft, assault, active shooters, or suspicious packages. 

Because front desk employees serve as an organization’s first line of defense, they should be prepared to quickly identify and respond to emergencies or suspicious activity, which could include loitering, making threats and acting aggressively, or forced building entry. 

To strengthen security, organizations should consider installing a mass notification system (MNS) that can be activated or used to alert appropriate parties directly and discreetly from the front desk.

Discretion is advised in escalating situations, and front desk employees need subtle ways to sound the alarm on unruly visitors. Essential products for reception areas include silent panic buttons with single points of activation and mobile alerts.

Panic buttons can be positioned secretly under desks, so organizations should consider installing this type of device in vulnerable front desk areas. Alertus’ software-based Desktop Activator provides immediate incident reporting or system activation that connects to a hardwired USB Panic Button which sends alert information immediately to dispatchers and emergency responders. In the event of an active shooter or disgruntled visitor, front desk staff members can carefully and quietly alert emergency personnel without letting the intruder know that help is on the way.

When a dangerous situation occurs and front office staff members need to remove themselves from the area fast, a device such as a wireless panic button will allow them to alert the authorities of an intruder by pressing the button for help in their pocket or while moving away from the area. Handheld panic buttons can also be programmed to notify the entire facility of critical incidents. Users can also send their location information to responders using Alertus’ Wi-Fi Panic Button.

Mobile methods are another critical way to alert a large organization of danger because mass alerts can be distributed directly and widely. Emergency protocols can be triggered on most phones, and Alertus’ Mobile Recipient App offers a panic button feature so front desk personnel can quickly and easily send incident reports from their current location to emergency management while getting to a safer place. 

VoIP office phones can also be used in emergencies and can be programmed to have a panic button key to request help or trigger instant alerts.

It is crucial to provide front desk staff with resources and training on using MNS equipment to activate alerts in various emergencies. Front desk staff play a vital role in maintaining and observing visitors in lobby and entry areas; it’s imperative to equip them with tools and training to help them feel secure and protect your entire organization.