Panic buttons can come in handy in various situations. Integrating panic buttons to security systems increases the security personnel’s situational awareness and helps them deal with the situation faster.
Panic buttons can come in handy in various situations. Integrating panic buttons to security systems increases the security personnel’s situational awareness and helps them deal with the situation faster.
That was according to a recent
blog post by
Kintronics. “Emergencies occur without warning. It could be a health problem, an active shooter situation, or a criminal attack. The panic button provides rapid emergency notification,” it said.
According to the post, panic buttons can be integrated with a variety of security systems from video surveillance to public address, adding today even mobile panic buttons are available. The systems that panic buttons can be integrated to are summarized as follows.
Video surveillance
According to the post, a panic button can be attached to the I/O input on a video surveillance camera. Once pressed, a signal is sent to the video management software, which then displays the alert as well as video feeds from nearby cameras.
“Once the security person is notified of the emergency, they can determine the best course of action. The surveillance camera system provides the information they need to make a decision,” the post said. “It is important to use video management software that includes the ability to notify the security person.”
Paging system
An IP paging system can utilize a panic button, which can cause the paging system to broadcast a message upon an emergency. “The button connects to the IO input of the IP audio input device. The signal alerts the command control software. The ‘if-then’ logic generates a pre-recorded announcement, such as ‘fire detected, please exit the building!’ The system can be programmed to alert the security person, so instead of generating an automated message, it can allow the security person to make the decision,” the post said.
Intercoms
According to the post, a button can be attached to an intercom to provide a controlled response to a situation. “For example, an intercom in an administrator’s office can be used to alert security of a hostile event. The security person can listen in to the conversation in the administrator’s office. The audio can be recorded and provide the information needed to correctly react to the situation,” it said.
Fire Alarms
The access control system plays a key role in maintaining an organization’s security. But in the event of fire, the doors should remain open. According to the post, a panic button can assure that all the doors controlled by electric locks are unlocked in an emergency like a fire. “There are a few ways to control the electric locks. For example, you can attach the button to a relay that opens the power circuit to all the locks. Alternatively, you can add a device-side PoE adapter that provides power to the electric lock,” it said. “When the alarm button is pressed, the controlled power to the lock is removed.”
Mobile panic buttons for security
According to the post, the latest security innovation is a panic button that one can carry around in different user scenarios.
“Whether you are in a school building, on the campus, inside a corporation, or work in a hospital, you can utilize the POM mobile panic button. The ability to provide a very quick notification allows the school administration or hospital staff to quickly respond to medical emergencies, fire, active shooters, or any other emergency,” it said. “The silent-alert capability provides a measured response. The silent alarm capability allows you to make a call to the emergency responder without making any noise. The responder can listen through the POM and then decide what action to take. For example, this silent alert can be used by a teacher in a school. The call to the administration office can determine whether it’s an aggressive student, an active shooter, or a medical emergency. The POM provides an open telephone call to the security center so they can analyze the situation by listening to the conversation.”