The importance of a Visiplex System for mass notification and alert notification in public areas including schools

• InformaCast is a product made by Singlewire Software and is used by more than 7,000 customers in 50 countries around the world
• The product is an emergency notification system that can get messages to people in many different ways such as SMS, Cisco Spark, mobile apps, IP speakers, digital signage, etc.
• The need for emergency notification is due to the uncertain place we live in and various categories of emergencies that are possible
• Speed and reach are the two main factors that matter in mass notification
• InformaCast goes beyond cloud-based notification service providers and can reach all on-premises devices such as phones, desktops, speakers, etc. quickly
• There are two types of broadcasts available: Live and Ad-hoc
• Live broadcasts, in contrast to prerecorded scenarios, give live capabilities with audio coming through phones and speakers
• Ad-hoc broadcasts support triggering alerts using various devices such as dedicated panic buttons, virtual panic buttons, etc.
• Intruder alerts through InformaCast can be triggered by a receptionist or anyone who sees a situation developing
• Panic buttons can be mounted underneath a desk or tabletop for the phone and can be used to trigger emergency alerts
• The mobile app has a variety of things that can be sent, in an emergency such as lockdown, chemical spill, intruder alert, etc.
• Cisco Spark Space is a tool for collaboration in emergency situations that can be used even when everyone is in different locations
• Information such as the image, audio, and plans for tackling the situation can be prestaged into Spark space
• The reporting function of the web console can provide information on how the system was utilized during the emergency
• InformaCast is not just limited to schools, but can also be used in other public areas such as airports, hospitals, etc.

Overall, the transcript provides information on how InformaCast can be useful for emergency notification and mass notification in public areas including schools. It provides detailed insights about the features and capabilities of InformaCast, along with insights on how it can be useful particularly in the context of intruder alerts and emergency call alerting. Additionally, features such as ad-hoc broadcasts, the mobile app, and Cisco Spark Space are also discussed in detail in the transcript which can be relevant when discussing the advantages and scope of InformaCast. Nevertheless, the transcript briefly touched upon these topics, and it might be important to conduct further research to gain a more refined understanding of InformaCast.

• The transcript features Rave Alert, a mass notification system that enables quick and reliable sending of messages via multiple channels such as text, email, voice, desktop, social media, CAP, IoT devices, etc.
• The Rave Alert system has a one-two-three stepwise wizard interface that allows customization of alerts, including the ability to translate messages into multiple languages.
• Rave Alert can be used to send an all-clear notification in the event of a dangerous situation previously notified to users via text, email, RSS, etc.
• Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) allows Rave Alert to activate and be activated by other systems through automation.
• Users are given a complete preview of the message before hitting the send button and receive a confirmation of the exact time and date that the alert was sent.
• Rave Alert offers three different notification types. The first is the standard alert type that has a 1-2-3 wizard interface with multiple channels for delivery of customized messages.
• The second notification type is Snap Send, designed for users who need to quickly send messages while still leveraging the pre-configured delivery modes and options in the system.
• Rave Alert also offers a third notification type that allows for unstructured notifications or “quick sends” that require no setup.
• Users can create new alerts from scratch, choosing a name and the standard alert mode.
• They can then add content for text message, email, voice, RSS update, Twitter, Facebook, CAP, and other delivery modes.
• Users can use the product’s everyone list or select people and pick lists to send their alert to specific recipients like demo lists or headquarters staff lists.
• There’s an option to add a voice call in Rave Alert, which prompts the user to record their own voice or use a pre-recorded message.
• Users can also add an RSS update, Twitter and Facebook message, and Common Alerting Protocol that activates Four Winds Interactive LCD display.
• Rave Alert has a feature that detects incomplete notifications and prompts users to make changes to them before sending messages with incomplete content.
• Rave Alert enables users to send messages with different branding and formatting across various channels.
• The transcript emphasizes that Rave Alert allows users to create detailed alerts in seconds with a simple interface and receive an immediate and complete confirmation step before sending notifications.
• It is mentioned that Rave Alert is a FedRAMP-authorized system with a history of reliability and trust.

• Pitt County Emergency Management launched Hyper-Reach, a phone-based mass notification system.
• The system will send out alerts regarding weather, environmental hazards, and safety concerns directly to those in affected areas.
• The Hyper-Reach system is a reverse 911 system, notifying people of specific hazards in their area to shelter in place or evacuate.
• Accuracy of information is essential, and the Hyper-Reach system will only provide essential information about an emergency.
• The notification system will reach users via a range of different methods, including text, phone calls, emails, and Alexa device notifications.
• The Pitt County Emergency Management officials are encouraging people to sign up for the system to receive notifications in the event of an emergency.
• Sign-ups are available through the county’s website or through news channels such as WNCT-TV9.
• Sign-up types include text messages, phone calls, email, and even Alexa-enabled device notifications.
• In the current day and age, accurate information is crucial, and the Hyper-Reach system aims to provide accurate information directly to the public.
• The system is like a “reverse 911 system,” meaning that notifications will be deployed to very specific areas that require notification.
• The Hyper-Reach system can notify people in very specific geographic locations when there is a train derailment or other hazards such as hazardous materials.
• The system’s usefulness lies in its ability to notify only those people who need to receive information, avoiding unnecessary panic or notification.
• For very focused events that need individuals to shelter in place or evacuate, the Hyper-Reach system is highly effective, relying on accurate geolocation data to ensure notifications reach the right people.
• As a phone-based system, the Hyper-Reach system is a go-to for modern emergency management and is instrumental in ensuring individuals receive accurate information.
• Visitors to Pitt County or those that haven’t signed up to the system will be notified through sirens, and relevant parties will arrange for safe evacuation of these individuals.
• Officials highlight the importance of people getting the correct information from the correct sources, adding that the Hyper-Reach system is a highly effective method of providing necessary information in an emergency.
• The system is critical for mass notification and alert notification in public spaces like schools.

• Everbridge offers a solution for mass notification, emergency communication, and situational intelligence.
• During an emergency, communication is critical to protecting people, property and reputation.
• Everbridge mass notifications can quickly and reliably target and communicate with individuals and groups using lists or locations across multiple contact devices, including email, phones, push notification, and SMS.
• The solution also allows targeting the individual, not just the device, ensuring that the message has been received.
• Everbridge mobile applications enable two-way communication with contacts and stakeholders and allow users to set a priority according to their personal preferences.
• Everbridge Interactive visibility can combine information from mobile members with other integrated feeds like social media and severe weather alerts to create situational intelligence to monitor events, make better informed decisions, and communicate efficiently to stakeholders, including employees, distributed staff, and customers.
• The solution can also be used to respond to polling questions or other requests for information, and contacts can use their mobile devices to submit unsolicited text, pictures, and other media from the scene.
• The integrated GIS capabilities can create a message specific to contacts in a target geography, add a street address, or within a radius from a designated point.
• Everbridge offers a solution suite to manage the lifecycle of critical incidents with increased efficiency and speed, protecting businesses, properties, and people.
• The text does not specifically talk about Visiplex but offers an alternative solution for mass notification and alert notification that could be used in public areas such as schools.

Not used in article

• The Alertus Unified Mass Notification System is designed for alerting all or select individuals in case of emergencies.
• It leverages existing available infrastructure and IT assets to serve gaps in coverage.
• It ensures that critical information is sent to everyone in the organization, including individuals with disabilities or special needs, quickly and reliably.
• The system provides advanced technologies for unified mass notification and crisis communication for any industry, including schools.
• The system creates a multi-layered unified notification system that can be activated with one click of a button.
• The IOT powers the system, which allows it to integrate with and send potentially life-saving alerts across existing infrastructure and technology.
• The system brings traditionally disparate systems together to create a comprehensive unified system that can be activated quickly and effectively.
• Alertus offers both hardware and software solutions for implementing the Alertus Unified Mass Notification System.
• The system supports a wide range of emergency communication methods, including desktop alerts, overhead announcements, digital signage, text messages, social media alerts, email, and mobile app notifications.
• The Alert Beacon and Alertus Desktop Notification are two hardware solutions that can be used to activate the system.
• The Alert Beacon is a wall-mounted device that can be activated instantly.
• The Alertus Desktop Notification, on the other hand, is a software application that sends alerts to the computer desktop of all users on the network.
• The system is tested and verified to be compatible with various third-party systems and technologies to ensure maximum coverage.
• A demonstration of the Alertus Unified Mass Notification System can be requested through the Alertus website.
• Customers can also access the Alertus Technical Support Center for help with system installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Alertus offers training programs to help customers learn how to use the system effectively.
• The cost of implementing the system varies depending on the specific needs and requirements of each organization.
• The Alertus Unified Mass Notification System is customizable to meet the unique needs of various organizations.
• The system is compatible with various alerting methods and devices, including Public Address Systems, Giant Voice, SMS messaging, email, and social media.
• The system can provide emergency alerts and notifications in multiple languages to cater to the diverse needs of the community or organization.
• The benefits of implementing the Alertus Unified Mass Notification System include enhanced emergency preparedness, quick and reliable communication during emergencies, and increased safety.

Notes:

• The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is implementing a Public Alert Notification System (PANS) in Trinidad and Tobago to alert citizens during national emergencies.
• PANS is a mass alerting system that combines real-time situational awareness and offers multi-platform communication prompts across various channels - phone call, text message, email, etc.
• PANS will send alerts to individuals on their mobile phone, home phone, work extension line, everbridge mobile app, SMS text message, email, or fax, all while protecting the privacy of individuals.
• When individuals sign up for PANS, they can receive information anytime, anyplace about potential hazards, crises, emergencies, or disasters that they and their loved ones may be in danger of or potentially affected by.
• PANS sends its alerts in alignment with the National Alert State public warning and information policy, allowing authorized government officials to communicate with the population during national emergency situations.
• PANS moves from manual dissemination of alerts to automated alerts during national emergencies, allowing for location-specific alerting, improving efficiency, and responsiveness.
• PANS improves communication, coordination, and response during national emergencies and critical incidents.
• Individuals who sign up for PANS can be notified when an evacuation, lockdown or state of emergency has been issued.
• PANS can help individuals get notified when substantial hazards impact major roadways or specific areas close to them.
• PANS alerts individuals in the event of a national public disruption.
• The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management hopes that people will never have to experience a national emergency, but it is something for which they prepare every day.
• To sign up for PANS, one should go to the ODPM website and submit their details.
• PANS is an essential tool to save lives and property, as even a normal day could turn into a disastrous one without warning.

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Features of Visiplex system, their description and how they can be configured

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Benefits of using the Visiplex System for mass notification in public areas including schools