Talk-A-Phone Solutions

Layered Mass Notification:

Flexible, Accurate, and Rapid Communication

In Emergency Situations

A fire begins.A burglar robs a student.Security receives a bomb threat.

How can campuses best facilitate the sharing of this crucial information so that timely assistance can be provided?

The Problem:

A layered Emergency Communication System that allows for the transference of information in two directions through a combination of:

• Emergency Phones that allow those on the ground to quickly contact security

• Mass broadcast audio capabilities that can be integrated with emergency phones to allow security a quick method for notifying those in need of assistance

The Solution:

Emergency Phones allow users to talk in real time to security personnel--providing security with information as well as giving assurance and assistance to the user.

Design Features:• ADA compliant• Hands-free• Vandal resistant, stainless steel construction• Power Options:

• Phone line powered OR• Power over Ethernet (PoE) for IP units

• Location identified by recorded message• Programmable from any telephone• Built-in auto-dialer can call back-up numbers

Emergency Phones

• Integrates with Blue Light/Strobe and CCTV giving security additional access to campus and users a greater sense of security

• Cellular, RF, Voice-over-IP, and Solar options also available, increasing system flexibility

• Nearly endless integration possibilities:

• Any 400-series phone can be mounted in any outdoor mount, including towers, wall mounts, pedestal mounts, and surface mount boxes

• Wide selection of mounts allows facilities to place phones in a multitude of areas maximizing their security coverage

“The bright blue lights give people a sense of safety in knowing that assistance is always close by with a simple push of the button.”

-- William Curtin, Director of Environmental Services, Loyola University

Emergency Phones(Design Features cont.)

CCTV Cameras give security a set of eyes on the scene, useful for either documentary or preventative purposes.

Design Options:

• Fixed cameras in the faceplate of Emergency Phone

• Fixed cameras in wall and free-standing Phone Mounts

• Tower Mounts with PTZ-CCTV arm offer fully integrated solution

• VoIP Interface makes integration with IP cameras simple

CCTV Options

VoIP: • A valuable solution for connecting remote

facilities such as parking lots to central security command centers over existing data networks

• Ethernet connectivity and full IP compatibility with existing routers and WAN infrastructure

• Voice-over-IP Interfaces (SIP and H.323)

Solar: • For locations where wired power isn’t

readily available, Solar Packages for Complete Stand-alone HelpPoint™ Locations are offered

• A way to increase security’s presence to locations previously unable to support it

Expanding Your Security Presence: VoIP and Solar

Going Wireless

• Add a VOIP-RF unit to make your system wireless

• Radio-Frequency Interfaces (802.11g Wi-Fi)

• Cellular Interfaces

• VOIP-RF Transmits up to one mile with supplied antenna and cable (up to 10 miles with alternate antenna configuration)

Emergency Phones offer an efficient method for direct communication between the user and security. But, security may also have need to notify a wider population. Mass Broadcast Audio systems, like W.E.B.S. (Wide-Area Emergency Broadcast System) provide this capability

Primary Features:• Tower and wall mounts integrate ADA-Compliant Emergency Phone and Wide-Area Emergency Broadcast System; Paging Units also available independent of emergency phones.

• Announcements can be remotely transmitted via phone line or radio frequency interface and can be broadcast to units individually, in selected groups, or in an all-call for large area coverage

• Analog and Native IP solutions available

• Announcements can be tailored to each unit or region depending on need.

• Integrate with PTZ CCTV cameras for a complete security / surveillance solution

Squaring the Circle: Mass Broadcast Audio

Scenario 1:• Someone at the location sees an incident and places an Emergency Phone call to

security.• Strobe immediately provides visual alert at site.• The optional PTZ camera automatically activates via the phone’s auxiliary out, giving

security eyes on the scene.• Phone automatically alerts security of location of emergency; the caller describes the

details of the incident.• Security dispatches appropriate personnel to the location.• Security has multiple communication options. They can converse only with calling

party, broadcast a message to the immediate area, or broadcast messages to larger coverage areas as necessary.

• Security can also broadcast a different alert message to nearby W.E.B.S. towers, such asnotifying people that there was an incident and to avoid the area.

Scenario 2:• Security sees suspicious activity through integrated PTZ camera on the W.E.B.S unit,

or receives information via police radio.• Security activates W.E.B.S. to address parties in the immediate area of what action

to take.• Security separately calls W.E.B.S. units in adjoining areas as to appropriate action

for them to take.

Scenario 3:• Security personnel away from central office (foot patrol, etc.) witnesses a developing

emergency.• That security personnel opens W.E.B.S. cabinet at the tower site to access the

microphone and make a local announcement.• Personnel contacts central security office via integrated Emergency Phone in W.E.B.S.

tower.• Centralized security can make further announcements to the primary and secondary

W.E.B.S. locations as necessary.

W.E.B.S. Potential Scenarios

WEBS Options:WEBS-MT/R

• Concealed high-power speakers provide 360º coverage. Separate volume controls for each speaker

• Personnel can unlock local command station and make on-site announcements

• Personnel can also remotely broadcast to towers individually, in selected groups, or to all at once.

• Tone and voice messages possible

• Attention-getting blue light strobe mounted atop tower. The blue light is continuously lit. The strobe function is activated when a call is placed or by command of remote guard calling into the emergency phone

• WEBS-MT/R-OP4 models come with arm to mount your own dome camera.

• A variety of emergency phone, lettering, signage, and color choices are available

WEBS Options: WEBS-WM

•Concealed high-power side speakers provide 180º coverage

•Integrated with ADA-compliant Emergency Phone

•Remotely broadcast to WEBS stations individually, in selected groups, or all-call

• Allows for Mass Broadcast and Emergency Communication capabilities in areas towers are too large for, such as parking garages, giving security a greater footprint and wider coverage

• Attention-getting blue light strobe included and mounted behind polycarbonate window

• Amplifier and speakers all mount inside enclosure

WEBS Indoor Paging Option:WEBS-PA-1

• Indoor IP-based Area Paging Unit that provides Wide-Area Emergency Broadcast capability.

• Ethernet connectivity and full IP compatibility with existing routers and WAN/LAN infrastructure

• Firmware upgradeable

• Remotely broadcast to WEBS area paging units individually, in selected groups, or all-call

• Manage configuration, groups and pages through the GUI web interface. No additional software required

• Integrated Layer 2 Ethernet switch

• Paging units allow for mass broadcast capability either in conjunction with emergency phones or independent from them

WEBS Outdoor Paging Options: WEBS-PA-2

• Outdoor Analog Area Paging Unit that provides Wide-Area Emergency Broadcast capability. Comes in both Analog (PA-2A) and IP (PA-2IP) versions increasing system flexibility

• Two concealed high-power side speakers provide 180º coverage

• Remotely broadcast to WEBS Area Paging Units individually, in selected groups, or all-call

• Paging units allow for mass broadcast capability either in conjunction with emergency phones or independent from them.

• Power supply, amplifier, and speakers all mount inside enclosure

• Paging units (both indoor and outdoor)can reach areas that other units cannot, thereby maximizing security’s footprint on campus

Home Phone, Cell Phone and Text Messaging

“During the summer, Tech instituted a system that alerts students and staff of emergencies by text messages on cell phones, e-mail and instant messages. However, the committee's report noted that the university's communications systems were taxed the day of the shootings, and that many cell phone calls could not go through because of the huge demand.” -- “Va. Tech Panel: Increase Security, Add Classroom Locks,” The Associated Press

"The general feeling was that text messaging was instant. It's not instant," said Scott Ksander, executive director of information technology networks and security at Purdue.”-- “Purdue Finds Delay in Text Messaging” – Erika D. Smith, Indy Star

Cell phone and text messaging systems are another mass notification option. However, their benefits and costs should be understood:

Benefit:

• Economical Costs: • Automated messages mean the same message goes to everybody regardless of receivers situation and need

• People don’t always have their cell phones with them or on. In addition, some situations (meetings, classroom) require phones be turned off

• In emergencies, cell phone networks are flooded with messages, meaning messages don’t always get through

• Requires users to sign up--if you’re not on the list, you don’t get a message

“Emergency experts say that while reverse 911 systems can be invaluable, they work best in fast-moving disasters when backed up by sirens or other means of blaring warnings to entire neighborhoods."I'm a big fan of redundant systems -- the idea is to hit people in every aspect of their daily lives," said Mark Ghilarducci, an emergency-management expert with James Lee Witt Associates.” - “Wildfire victims criticize automated emergency calls, ask for sirens,” Associated Press

“Layer systems so that they overlap, and augment them with an intelligent voice evacuation system,” says [Tom Giannini, director of security marketing for SimplexGrinnell]. “Relying on a single type of technology will not cover your every need.”--“ A new emphasis on communication during emergencies has led to fresh thinking about mass notification systems” –Loren Snyder, Building Operating Management

Closing Thoughts:

• Facilities and campuses face a variety of security problems.

• There is no single magic bullet to meet every need

• Systems that are redundant can prevent blind spots and maximize coverage

• Flexibility--getting coverage in multiple areas via a variety of means--can save lives and better protect your facility

"Cell phones are one good idea for handling emergencies, but you need other approaches, since we still won't allow students to turn on phones during classes.” - Jay Dominick, CIO at Wake Forest University in “Post Va.Tech, campus CIOs face demands to boost communications” by Matt Hamblen in Computerworld