Crisis management is an essential methodology for every workplace regardless of the industry. Why? Because there will always be a need for safety and security procedures. In this article, I will go over methods of protection as well as some tips to help make your workplace safer.
What Makes a Panic Button an Important Part of Crisis Management?
A panic button is a crisis management tool used for summoning help in an emergency. Panic buttons have been a part of safety and security for many years. As technology skyrockets, panic buttons are becoming more advanced. With the push of a button, you can alert multiple responders quickly to ensure a rapid call to action. Fast alert notifications to responders increase the chance of a more favorable outcome during an emergency situation.
Depending on the industry, some businesses have a greater need for a panic button. However, all companies should be concerned with safety initiatives. No organization is exempted from an unfortunate crisis occurring. Violent situations and medical emergencies happen quickly without warning. It’s the company owner’s liability to ensure the safety of themselves as well as their employees. Having the right equipment for crisis management is one of the first steps to protect employees.
The front desk of a business is the perfect place for a panic button. The receptionist is the face of your company and handles all incoming and outgoing traffic for your business. As a front desk professional, it is imperative that they possess the knowledge and equipment needed to protect their organization’s front line. The reception area is a critical entry point where most acts of violence start. Having a panic button where your company is most vulnerable is a perfect place to start with a crisis management plan.
Where Do You Put a Panic Button for Increased Crisis Management?
The number of panic buttons needed depends on your organization’s size, employee count, and employee locations within the building. Panic buttons should be placed in areas where they are easily accessible in case of a crisis. They should also be located in areas that are out of reach and view of non-employees.
As stated before, a receptionist desk is a great place to have a panic button. Since the receptionist is the first person that patrons see when entering a business, they are the most vulnerable. Moreover, covering all entry/exit points and other susceptible areas throughout the building is also an excellent choice for a panic button.
Having a panic button in all unprotected areas across your business ensures the safety of everyone. Why? Well, what if something happened to the receptionist that left them unable to call for help? Who would be the next person designated to initiate an alert? As part of your crisis management plan, make sure other employees are assigned security roles throughout the business. Incorporating both procedures and protocols for all employees is an essential factor in having an effective crisis management plan.
What Type of Panic Button Should I Add to My Crisis Management Plan?
There are several different types of panic button solutions available on the market today. Wired, wireless, and computer-based versions of a panic button with varying features are offered through a number of companies. Depending on the security needs of your company will determine the type of panic button you should select.
Wired panic buttons, such as those offered by companies like ADT, require a technician crew to install cables within the walls of your business. These types of panic buttons custom phone caseswatches replicafind out here are also connected to a third party monitoring center. The wired panic button option are a bit pricey, and the installation can disrupt daily activities throughout your business. However, depending on the security needs of your business, these types of options offered may be well suited.
Wireless panic buttons are virtually effortless to install as most are just a software download for your computer. Computer-based options are available as a service that runs in the background. Many companies like Community Response Systems also offer optional hardware devices that plug into the USB port of the computer operating the software. These types of wireless panic buttons are relatively inexpensive and have the ability to alert multiple responders within your business as well as the police.
When selecting the type of panic button that best fits your business, always be mindful of the communication system offered. The communication system is the technique used to assemble help when the panic button is activated, which are sound and silent alarms.
What Are the Positives and Negatives of Both Options?
- The sounding alarms – Let’s say an intruder approached, and things were going wrong. If the sound signal is triggered, it could bring upon more stress on the situation causing the intruder to react more aggressively. On the other hand, if the intruder does run away, or get caught by the police, you have gotten through that crisis safely due to the loud siren that scared off the attacker.
- The silent alarm – This alarm has a different effect. If the silent alarm is triggered, it could startle the intruder when the cops arrive which could cause the intruder to surrender immediately, which is good. Alternatively, it could turn into something even worse — for example, a hostage situation.
These examples are things that you should keep in mind. Every crisis situation is unpredictable. However, there are ways to go about these unforeseen and unfortunate conditions. It is vital to be well educated on the safety precautions for a crisis that could happen at any time. Always make an effort to remain one step ahead by being prepared for anything.
What Violent Acts Happened During 2018?
You may have heard about all of the horrible events that have happened this year via national news media outlets. For instance, only 21 weeks into 2018 there were approximately 23 school shootings across the United States! Bomb threats, bank robberies, and concert shootings also plagued our country over the course of 2018. Below are a few relevant links of the devastating events that have happened.
- Gun Violence in 2018
- Bomb Threats Across the U.S.
- Orlando Club Massacre
- What Happens to Those Who Survive?
Do You Have a Crisis Management Plan?
When I was in high school, there were threats of bombs and active shooters in my school district. From my experience, the emotions felt during these types of situations are a mulligan stew of feelings. You are left feeling frantic, unsure, shocked, scared, and powerless to name a few.
Situations involving violence happen every day — crisis management tools such as a panic button help bridge the gap of communication. A crisis management plan refers to a detailed course of action which describes the various methods that need to be taken during critical situations or crisis.
Businesses should incorporate a step by step procedure to follow during critical situations. Planning is essential to saving lives. U
A plan prepared by superiors, members of a crisis management team, and related employees can help an organization overcome a crisis in the best possible way.
Not Another Second Wasted
The next opportunity you get to upgrade your security products and incident response plan, take it. There are several ways to ensure a higher level of safety in your business or organization. If a crisis came about, employees should have the knowledge base for effective action and proper equipment to contact the authorities immediately. Panic buttons are not of limited supply, although you do have to find the right one for your company or organization.
It takes an average of 7 minutes for first responders to receive an alert and arrive on the scene with a traditional panic button. Provided the traditional panic button even works. Instead of wondering if your traditional panic button has contacted your 911 dispatch, upgrade to a wireless tech-driven version. CRS Notify allows immediate contact to the authorities if the high-level alert button is triggered. CRS Notify also allows for constant communication with other staff members via the active chat alert room.
When you have that extra level of security, there is a sense of control — a sense of well-being surrounding you.
Situations Where Panic Buttons Are Great:
- Active Shooter
- Robbery
- Severe Weather
- Natural Disasters
- Medical Emergencies
- Angry Customers
- Suspicious Activity
Situations that give you uncertainty should not be taken lightly. Fast responses increase the chance of recovery and minimize the risks. Violence in the workplace is not always about work-related issues. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in two-thirds of workplace homicides, the attacker has no known personal relationship with the victims. Some of the more traditional reasons for violence in the workplace are mental illness, drug abuse, divorce, or their own perceived private failure.
It is imperative that there is a plan in place if a crisis were to happen. Most companies do not see the seriousness of having tighter security because they do not view security as an issue. The estimated cost of a workplace homicide that the employer pays out is $800,000 … It is a fact that it would be less expensive to take affirmative action against workplace violence.
Horrendous acts of violence happen all over the United States across every industry. We as a society need to be proactive about workplace violence to lessen or even prevent future occurrences. Collectively, crisis management tools help combat these issues.
Contact us for more information:
info@communityresponsesystems.com or 800-533-7201 M-F 8-5 pm CST
