The Benefits of Investing in a Panic Alarm
Regardless of the type of business you operate, there is always a risk that an angry customer, mentally unstable person or a robber could cause violence in your establishment. A panic alarm can provide you with a quick, reliable way to get help when needed.
These devices are typically carried around on a lanyard or clip that can be quickly grabbed in a moment of crisis. They send alerts to designated monitoring associates by SMS and email.
Safety
A panic button can give people a sense of security. It may be a physical device in the workplace or, increasingly, it’s a smart panic alarm worn discreetly. Regardless of the device, it should be easily accessible so that people feel comfortable using it when necessary.
The best place to keep a panic button is a location that’s easy for employees to access, but not too obvious so that intruders can find and destroy them. It’s also important to make sure that employees are familiar with how the panic alarm works, so they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Lone workers can benefit from having the reassurance of knowing they can call for help without being seen or heard. This is especially true in a medical environment where attacks on health care staff have increased due to coronavirus restrictions and long wait times for appointments.
Typically, these buttons are connected to an internal alert system which monitors them, and when they’re activated, a response team is immediately notified (usually via the company’s security management or control center). SoloProtect operators can quickly dial straight into the relevant regional police force bypassing 999 and provide key information to help with the dispatch of the appropriate emergency services.
Some employers have a legal duty to ensure their staff’s safety, and providing a panic alarm is an excellent way to fulfil this. Duress Alarm It can also help to reduce stress in the workplace and encourage a happier, more productive team.
Security
There are times when calling for help through a smartphone is simply not possible, or not safe. Whether you’re dealing with an assailant at your front door or trapped in the back of a truck, using a panic button that connects to your security system provides peace of mind knowing that emergency services are only the push of a button away.
For businesses that deal with high risk situations, a panic alarm that connects to the workplace security system is vital. This way staff can easily call for assistance when it’s needed without worrying about inadvertently alerting the perpetrator(s).
Lone workers, such as bank staff, construction workers and security guards often face unexpected danger on their own. By linking a device to their security system and ensuring they have a wearable panic button, they can be assured of access to immediate help should an incident arise.
By pressing the Red Alert button on a lone worker device, the user opens a one-way call with SoloProtect’s alarm monitoring center. A specially trained operator listens in to the situation and can quickly dispatch police, ambulance or company security. In some cases, this can be done before the incident has even reached its peak. In addition, the lone worker’s GPS location is sent to the monitor so that they can be contacted and dispatched as soon as the alarm is triggered.
Workplaces
A panic alarm is a must for any workplace that values the safety of their staff. Any employer that does not have a system in place could find themselves facing costly legal proceedings following an attack on one of their employees. It is important that any company that invests in this equipment tests it regularly to ensure the alarm will work when needed. In addition, it is a good idea to run drills so that the employees know what to do in an emergency.
Workplaces can use either a fixed panic button often found in shops dealing with large sums of money or behind receptionist desks or wireless devices which are taken with staff wherever they go. The latter is often a better option as it provides flexibility and can be used even when the worker is outside the building, for instance on deliveries.
When a button is pressed it sends an alert to a monitor who can be a member of the workforce or security team, a dedicated helpline or external monitoring company. The monitor will then follow a response plan and either notify others or, with an app like StaySafe, send assistance directly to the employee.
Many states and cities are considering or have already passed laws requiring healthcare facilities, hotels and other businesses that employ childcare workers or social service workers to provide their staff with panic buttons. These can be integrated with a workplace security platform and are often linked to overhead paging systems or GPS tracking to provide a wider response network.
Homes
A panic button on your home security system can act as a lifeline in the event of an emergency. It will trigger your alarm’s siren (depending on your preference) and alert the authorities to the situation, if you have monitoring service. In addition, a reliable monitoring service will check in with you to assess the alarm trigger, ensure it wasn’t a false one and dispatch the necessary services for your protection.
Your choice of where you want to install your panic button is also important. It’s best to place it somewhere you’ll have quick access to it, especially if it isn’t your usual routine. You may want it to be worn on a pendant around your neck or wristband, or incorporated into a key fob connected to the alarm system. A common choice is a bedroom, home office or living room.
You can choose a wired or wireless panic alarm, depending on your preferences and the location of your home. You’ll also want to consider whether you’d prefer a silent alarm or an audible one. If you opt for an audible alarm, it can scare off intruders and alert your neighbours to the situation. If you go for a silent alarm, it’s important to consider how close your neighbors are and if they’re likely to hear your alarm when pressed.
