We talk a lot about our integrated business security solutions, but something we haven’t mentioned in a while is our panic button. While having a security system is great for surveilling everything when you’re away, a panic button is a great option for emergencies that could happen when you’re present.
As a reminder from our earlier blog, How can you benefit from a panic button, “Panic buttons exist to protect people from personal harm. They can provide an instant alert to the monitoring company when the user feels they are in danger and need immediate emergency assistance.” Below, we elaborate on the “who, where, when, and how” of panic buttons.
Who Should Have A Panic Button Installed?
Unfortunately, it seems like there isn’t a place that is completely safe from danger, so a panic button can be applied in almost any space. As every business owner wants to provide a safe workplace where employees thrive, a panic button can create trust in your employees when they know where the button is and its use. Check out our blog on how facility managers can reduce workplace stress for more ways to create a safe work environment.
Schools are beginning to drastically increase their security measures with the uptick in devastating school shootings. As soon as the school receptionist senses danger, hears, or sees danger, they can press the button and increase response time and minimize potential fatalities.
Buttons are being installed in a wide variety of organizations and are even featured in the Uber App as they’re trying to beef up their security measures and create a better reputation.
Where Should A Panic Button Be Installed?
Panic buttons are best used when they are strategically placed, which is usually in a hidden place where employees can quickly reach it and discretely press the button.
This place will vary for different organizations, but a great rule of thumb is to install them in areas that are considered the front line of your business. Any customer service area, reception area, and main entrance areas should be equipped with a panic button. Some companies may also consider installing buttons in the back offices where managers might be able to see threats as well and can alert local authorities.
How Does A Panic Button Work?
When a panic button is pressed, an alert goes to one of our monitoring centers where the threat is verified. Once verified, our monitoring center safety experts alert local authorities.
Sonitrol customers receive quicker response times as our security solutions are verifiable through our unique audio and video technology. More on that can be read below, but before that, here is a true story about our panic button helping in a critical situation that ensured the safety of a mini-mart clerk:
Early one Monday morning, one of our Central Station Dispatchers received an activation coming from the panic button at a local mini-mart. Being able to hear confrontation, she immediately dispatched the Kern County Sheriff.
The sheriff arrived on scene just 4 minutes later and arrested one suspect that physically assaulted the clerk. Our customer was very pleased with the quick response time that our system was able to provide.
It is easy to integrate a panic button into your Sonitrol security package. When you pair a panic button with audio detection and video surveillance, it can help verify the threat, prevent further loss, and ensure the quickest response time. For more information, read our previous blog to find out how a panic button can benefit your office, home, or school. Then contact us to see about adding on a panic button at your organization.