As a first responder, you’re well aware of how much your team’s emergency communication plan matters.
You can have all the training, supplies, and equipment in the world, but if you can’t share and receive real-time information, none of it matters.
However, when you’re dealing with disasters like hurricanes, blackouts, earthquakes, and more, communication is often one of the first things to be compromised.
Your ability to save lives, coordinate evacuations, and keep violence at bay during a disaster situation depends on your emergency communication system.
Above all, you need to be able to let the people in harm’s way know what’s coming.
Does yours measure up?
In this post, we’ll make sure you know exactly what to look for in an emergency communication system.
1. Fast Communication Setup
It takes roughly eight minutes for help to arrive on the scene when someone dials 911.
When you’re in a disaster scenario, however, many people have completely lost power and are waiting on instructions for what to do next. You need to be able to access your mass notification system immediately.
If you can communicate with people in the disaster zone quickly, you can save lives and get people out of a dangerous area.
When every second counts, you need to be able to put your emergency communication plan into action as fast as possible.
Look for an emergency communication device and system that provides you with radio, voice, and data network operation within 15 minutes of your deployment.
2. Global Communication
When you’re in a crisis, you will likely need to communicate with global organizations, government agencies, and even individuals overseas.
Your emergency communication system must be able to provide you with two-way global communication.
Additionally, the emergency response technology needs to be able to make contact with any device, whether it’s a cellphone, a landline, a desktop computer, etc.
Whether you communicate via email, text message, or telephone conference, your system must be able to help you make the connection.
3. Top Technology
Communicating during an emergency is practically impossible without the right technology.
While having a comfortable, climate-controlled mobile command center is important, nothing matters as much as the technology and services that your system can provide.
Look for options that have an auto acquire satellite system that doesn’t only help you to access your data and the Internet, but that also offers VoIP and SIP communication services.
Your system should also have a pneumatic mast so that you can create a platform to mount cellular extender antennas, weather equipment, video surveillance devices, radio antennas, LAN/WAN antennas, and more.
You’ll also need to be able to watch television so that you can get access to the latest news and receive real-time updates about the disaster zone. This way, you’ll know where to send help and how to keep your team safe.
The system must also allow you to communicate with other first responders so that you can coordinate your relief efforts and ensure that all areas impacted by the disaster are covered.
4. Multiple Options for Network Connectivity
You need to make sure that your emergency communication system allows you to connect to the Internet as quickly as possible.
To make this happen, it needs to be able to provide you with multiple connectivity solutions.
For example, a point-to-point wireless connection makes it easy to connect to an existing wireless network. All you’ll need to pay for is the fixed hardware, but the core network must be operational to use it.
In a disaster scenario, this isn’t always possible.
In this case, you’ll need LTE service, which means that you have a router installed within your mobile command center. Look for routers that can work with multiple SIM cards and work with a variety of providers.
Sometimes, you’ll need to rely on satellite connectivity, which can work anywhere in the world.
Look for emergency communication systems that allow you to achieve network connectivity no matter the situation.
5. Customization
Finally, make sure your emergency communication system comes with as many customization options as possible.
For example, the size of your mobile command center depends on the number of people on your team and the kinds of emergencies you encounter the most.
Do you need a conference room complete with video and audio conferencing systems that allow you to coordinate with other emergency relief organizations and agencies? What about a radio dispatch console?
Depending on the length of your deployment, you may also need a mobile command center that has a tankless water heater, a fridge, and other comforts that help you to be at your best when you’re on the scene.
Where Can You Find the Right Emergency Communication System?
Your emergency communication system allows you to save lives, keep your team safe, communicate with other relief and government agencies, and more.
Now that you know what to look for in an effective system, it’s time to start shopping.
If you’re looking for a system with the latest technology, fast response times, and plenty of customization options, look no further than CSS’s solutions.
We create and customize some of the best mobile command centers in the world, and we’re trusted by some of the top first responders in the country. In addition to emergency communication systems, we also offer air shelters, portable communication systems, and even provide rental options.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help your team be ready no matter what kind of crisis you’re facing.