Communication during an emergency situation is crucial in the outcome. Communication comes into play at every stage of a crisis or emergency.
The definition of communication is, “The imparting or exchanging of information or news.” Communication comes in many forms. Face to face conversations, phone calls, email, text messages and more. The quality of communication is detrimental to the outcome of an emergency.
Communication During an Emergency and Why it Matters
Picture a disgruntled student returning to campus armed and prepared to hurt people. As the student approaches the front door. He is able to walk into the front entrance. As he makes entry he pulls out a gun and starts shooting. Making an attempt to breach the second set of locked doors.
What happens from here and the extent of the damage is dependent on how effective the communication is. Accurate, real time communication allows the appropriate response. When this happens the likelihood of damage decreases.
When there is no standard of communication, the technology is outdated or non-existent, you are at increased risk of danger.
Communication is more than verbal. There are many forms of communication during an emergency. Alert-Com is a perfect example of a real time response solution. A touch of a button allows for an immediate response.
Communication During every stage of an Emergency
Every crisis or emergency situation follows a general pattern of stages. Communication during an emergency has its own unique need at each of those stages.
Crisis Stage: Alert your team
At the first moment you realize an emergency is in progress the first thought is often, call for help. When a crisis has begun it is crucial that immediate communication is sent out to alert and activate the proper response team.
If the communication is poor, untimely or incorrect it can seriously affect your safety. If incorrect information goes out it can put the wrong people in danger. Untimely or incorrect information can direct emergency response in the wrong direction and prolong the threat.
Response: Communicate and Update.
Once first responders have been alerted and are on their way they will need to get the status of the situation. In this stage, clear, concise and accurate communication is so important.
Recently in the news, the Uvalde School shooting is an example of how miscommunication and lack of protocols result in pure tragedy. In this instance it has been said the first responders were told the shooter was no longer active. As a result they did not enter the school immediately and many children’s lives were lost.
Post-Crisis: Assess and Evaluate
When the emergency has subsided and there is no longer a threat, the communication does not stop. Now it is time to assess and evaluate the needs moving forward. Offering mental health services and other forms of support after a crisis or a “would be” crisis is crucial. In addition, evaluating what was most successful in keeping your people safe and adjusting communication if needed.
Alert Protection Service brings comprehensive communication during an emergency. Real time communication with top of the line technology to keep your people safe.
