Saturday, 2 June 2012

Emergency communication system


Emergency communication system

An Emergency communication system (ECS) is any system (typically computer based) that is organized for the primary purpose of supporting the two way communication of emergency messages between both individuals and groups of individuals. These systems are commonly designed to integrate the cross-communication of messages between are variety of communication technologies.

Emergency Communication vs. Notification

An emergency notification system refers to a collection of methods that facilitate the one-way dissemination or broadcast of messages to one or many groups of people with the details of an occurring or pending emergency situation. Mass text messaging services such as Twitter, mass automated dialing services such as Reverse 911, and the common town siren systems that are used to alert for tornadoes, tsunami, air-raid, etc, are examples of emergency notification systems. Emergency Communication Systems often provide or integrate the same services but will also include two-way communications typically to facilitate communications between emergency communications staff and first responders in the field.
Another distinguishing attribute of the term Emergency Communication Systems may be that is can connote the ability to provide detailed and meaningful information about an evolving emergency and actions that might be taken, whereas notification connotes a relatively more simplistic conveyance of the existence and general nature of an emergency.

Other Related and Similar Terms

Being a collection of methods that are often incorporated in many diverse settings in varying ways, there are numerous words, terms, phrases, and jargon that are used interchangeably among the entities that utilize or have a need for emergency communication systems. Many times, these are all used to refer to the same or substantially similar concept. For example, use of the terms “emergency communications” and “emergency telecommunications” may refer to the same concept.
  • Emergency Notification
  • Emergency Notification System
  • Emergency Notification Service
  • Emergency Communications
  • Emergency Communications System
  • Emergency Communications Service
  • Emergency Response Software
  • Emergency Management System
  • Emergency Management Software
  • Alerting System
  • Emergency Alert
  • Emergency Alert System (not to be confused with
  • Emergency Alerting System
  • Public Mass Notification
  • Public Notification System
  • Mass Notification
  • Mass Notification System
  • Network-Centric Emergency Notification
  • Network-Centric Emergency Communication

Attributes of Emergency Communication Systems

Timeliness and Speed of Delivery

An emergency, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action. As such, it should be considered critically important that any communication about an emergency be timely and quick to disseminate, in order to mitigate damage or loss of life. For example, during the Virginia Tech massacre, about two hours had passed before the first communication (an email) was sent to staff and students; and by that time, the gunman had already entered and secured a building in which he was shortly to begin his attack. In that case, it wasn't until about 20 minutes after the shootings began, that a loudspeaker announcement was made for people to take cover.In many cases, it's likely obvious that mere seconds and minutes are absolutely critical.

Ease of Use

During a crisis, users need to quickly and easily launch their notifications, and they need to be able to do so in a way that provides confidence, with an intuitive and easy to use interface. According to Timecruiser, an emergency communication system that’s designed for non-technical users will ensure successful administration and usage. During emergency situations, sometimes life threatening, campus administrators must be able to react to the situation quickly and trigger the alert system swiftly. Yet emergency alert is probably among the least used and least familiar processes. Ease-of-use therefore is critical to the solution’s success.
However, in order to support a robust, meaningful and capable emergency communication ability, this ease of use should not preclude the utilization of a complex, technologically advanced system. A sufficiently advanced and complex system should provide the added ability of coordinating multiple components to act in concert, to initiate and propagate emergency communications. The key here is in such a system bearing these advanced capabilities, while still being easy for the user to operate for both emergency and everyday communications, not only for effective emergency communication, but also for an organization to realize the most return on investment.

Affordability

Overall, the more affordable the cost of procuring, installing, and maintaining an emergency communication systems is, the more prolific such systems may become; and the more prolific these systems are, the more likely it is that these systems will be available to aid in times of emergency in more locations. According to Federal Signal, beyond supporting emergency response, today’s mass notification systems have proven to be a valuable asset for everyday, non-emergency, intra- and inter-plant communications. This has become particularly evident in the deployment of interoperable, multi-device communications technology that not only enhances overall plant communications, but provides a host of useful software-based management and administrative tools. Additionally, many of the more traditional approaches to mass notification, i.e., public address and intercom systems, e-mail, and voice and text messaging, provide everyday functionality for plant communications and process control that represents attractive potential for return on investment.[34]

Providing Instructions

A clearly needed attribute of any modern emergency communication system is the ability to not only provide notification of an emergency, but to also provide clear and actionable instructions for how to respond to an emergency. In a study by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies, it was revealed that regardless of the initial form of notification, a secondary form was necessary before action would be taken. This supports the important observation that providing clear and concise instructions may reduce dependency on such secondary verfication; and thus, providing instructions may save lives in an urgent emergency situation.

Specific Audiences or Recipients

There may be the need to have multiple different communications happening simultaneously for the same emergency. For example, in a fire, a building's occupants need to be told how to evacuate (where to go), while the first responders might need to know where the fire was detected.

Redundancy

There should be multiple means of delivering emergency information so that if one should fail, others may get through. Also, according to the Partnership for Public Warning, research shows clearly that more than one channel of communication will be consulted by people at risk in order to confirm the need for action. The public expects to be contacted in a variety of ways. Besides phone calls and emails, citizens also expect to be reached via text messaging, and fax. In addition, the public may look to social media as another vehicle to receive messages and check in on updates.
Additionally, the Partnership for Public Warning states, “A single warning is frequently insufficient to move people to action, especially if it cannot be confirmed by direct observation. For most people the first warning received captures their attention and triggers a search for corroboration, but cannot be relied on to elicit the desired behavior. Scientific research supports the common-sense observation that people are disinclined to risk being fooled by a single alarm that might prove false or accidental. Effective warning requires the coordinated use of multiple channels of communication.”

Interoperability

A fire control system's RS-232 data connection which an emergency communication system may interface with
To support these attributes, an emergency communication system should be able to connect to and communicate with other related systems. According to the Partnership for Public Warning, a fundamental problem is the lack of technical and procedural interoperability among warning originators, system providers, delivery systems, and warning recipients. Originators of warnings must undertake expensive, redundant tasks using multiple, dissimilar tools and techniques to take full advantage of today's warning systems.
Also, there are multiple ways that an emergency communication system might obtain an original warning. One example of this might be the case of a building’s fire control system dispatching a notice that a smoke detector has activated. A properly designed emergency communication system should be able to receive that notice and process it into a message that the building’s occupants can understand and take action on in order to save life and property. Another example might be of the National Weather Service sending an EAS severe weather warning (e.g. via RSS feed or similar). In that case, the emergency communication system should be able to process and disseminate the warning in a similar way as the smoke detector example, and inform people of what actions to take.
The ability to interoperate should also consider the need to be both forward and backward compatible with older and yet-to-be-conceived technologies. Introduction of a system that cannot interoperate with previously deployed equipment creates potentially serious barriers to effective operation.

Product versus Service

An emergency communication system may be composed of a product and its associated hardware and software, as owned by the entity using it (e.g. an on-site paging network), or as a service owned and provided by a third-party (e.g. a cellular carrier’s SMS network). Each have their own advantages and disadvantages; however, despite perception otherwise, services have some major inherent problems when it comes to effective emergency communications.

Premise Based versus Non-Premise Based

Premise based emergency communication systems are those which primarily or wholly exist in the same geographical or structural area as it serves, while non-premise based emergency communication systems are those which exist in a different geographical or structural area. There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Often, non-premise based systems are slower than those that are premise-based, because at the very least, the different locations need to be connected via (usually public) data networks, which may be susceptible to disruption or delay.

Broadcast Technologies


Weather Radios
Perhaps the oldest or most basic form of public communication is that which includes such staples as over-the-air television, sirens, radio, etc. More modern components (using the same concept) might include lights and giant voice systems. These all have one thing in common: they broadcast indiscriminately to anyone who has the means to receive the message; whether they are simply in the immediate area or require some sort of receiving device.
Broadcast technologies use point-to-point communications methodology and may either require infrastructure or not. Examples of broadcast technologies requiring infrastructure might include such things as Reverse 911 and broadcast-affiliate networks.

Infrastructure-Independent

Broadcast technologies that do not depend on man-made infrastructure to convey communication may be least susceptible to disruption during disasters and emergencies. Some examples of infrastructure-independent technologies are:
  • Short-wave Radio
Short-wave (or Amateur) radio is a relatively long range method of communicating using radio waves. Because of the nature of radio wave propagation, communications made via short-wave radio can be intercepted and heard by anyone with the proper equipment and knowledge. However, due to their reliance only on electrical power (which can be obtained via batteries, solar, and other alternative means) and Earth's ionosphere, they are ideal for some of the worse-case emergency scenarios. One disadvantage may be that one requires training and licensing to operate a short-wave radio, in many countries.
  • Two-way Radio
Two-way radio consists of at least two devices (typically portable and hand-held) that are capable of transmitting and receiving communications to each other, using radio waves. Similar to short-wave, this type of communication is also able to be intercepted and heard by anyone with the proper equipment. However, unlike short-wave, this communication equipment is restricted by range (usually several miles, at most), but is relatively simple to operate and the main power source is usually provided by batteries. Two-way radios are in-use by many emergency responders on a daily basis, so they require minimal concentration to operate in the stress of an emergency situation, since the person operating it is already familiar with it. Additionally, many non-professionals may use unlicensed two-way radios, as is common with CB radio, Family Radio Service or PMR446.
  • Weather Radio
A weather radio is a device which receives normal and emergency weather broadcasts. It may automatically turn on whenever an emergency is eminent or occurring, providing an alarm as well as a description of the situation. Anyone with a weather radio device can receive these broadcasts.

Infrastructure-Dependent


Audio public address speakers
Broadcast technologies that depend on man-made infrastructure to convey communication are susceptible to disruption if any part of that infrastructure is overloaded, damaged or otherwise destroyed. Some examples of infrastructure-dependent technologies are:
  • Audio Public Address Systems
A system which can provide audio (usually spoken language) messaging capability, usually consisting of microphone devices, wiring, and speakers installed in public areas of buildings. These systems are typically located indoors or in smaller outdoor areas with multiple speakers, due to their speakers' individual volume being too limited for large areas. Usually connected together by wiring requiring electricity, these systems may be vulnerable to electrical disruption or any other event which results in the wires being severed or disconnected.
  • L.E.D. Electronic Signs
An electronic sign that visually displays messages using arrays of light-emitting-diodes, or L.E.D.’s., and connected to a control device. These types of signs may be relatively affordable and are easy to install, making them a common choice for organizations wishing to use electronic forms of visual communication. Common means of connecting these devices include ethernet or serial communication cabling.
  • Combination Audio/Visual Public Address Devices
Any device which combines the audio capability of a PA system with the visual capability of an electronic sign (usually of the L.E.D. variety). These, too, rely on infrastructure to operate.
LCD digital sign
  • Digital Signage
Similar to combination audio/vidual PA devices, yet much more advanced, digital signage usually refers to flat-panel monitors capable of displaying high-resolution or high-definition media, videos, pictures, multimedia presentations, and text. Typically using the same components as televisions (or may actually be televisions), they usually also have the capability of providing sound. Due to these capabilities, digital signage may have the ability to provide redundancy with other systems, or may be able to replace them, entirely. However, these types of systems are usually more expensive than simple L.E.D. electronic signs, which makes it important to garner as much utility from them as possible, for maximum return on investment. Over time, though, this technology has become relatively more affordable, resulting in digital signage being used in more venues — usually for non-emergency purposes, such as displaying news, weather, directions, etc. Some uses of digital signage related to emergency communication systems include: displaying building floorplans, maps, evacuation routes, and first responder situational awareness (such as showing a firefighter where a fire has been detected).

Speakers used for giant voice systems
  • Giant Voice Systems
A system focused on providing auditory messaging capability for large outdoor areas, being able to transmit voice and sounds over large distances, without the need for a large number of speakers. These systems are commonly used on military bases and chemical manufacturing plants, for example. These allow specific instructions to be broadcast over a large area, however may be subject to substantial echo and distortion. This forces unnatural speech, on the part of the warning originator, and may be extremely difficult for the listener to perceive. This fact has prompted some to primarily rely on tones and coded signals that the audience must be familiar with. Even though these can be heard over a large area, the high-powered speakers must still be connected to the communication originator via some sort of infrastructure, meaning they might have a certain level of vulnerability to disruption.

Communication Devices

Communication Devices

There are primarily two major types of communication devices: those for individual people and those for groups of people. A Private communication device is a device that is designed to deliver communication to one person at a time via a single process. Typically a single person is in control of such a device which is typically not shared. Examples include: a cellular phone, a text message on a cell phone, an email, or a message over a 2 way radio. Public communication devices are those that are designed to deliver a communication to more than one person via a single process at the same time. Examples include: a digital electronic sign, a loud speaker that is part of a PA system, or a large flat panel display on a wall.

Public Devices

Public communication refers to the conveyance of messages to people, in such a way that anyone may receive the communication at nearly the same time as anyone else, typically using a common device. The most common way of facilitating public communications is by using devices that are incorporated into some public venue, such as public-address systems or digital signage. Public warning empowers people at risk to take actions to reduce losses from natural hazards, accidents, and acts of terrorism.

Private Devices

Private communication refers to the conveyance of messages to a specific individual, in a private manner or in such a way that even those nearby may not get the message. Common ways of facilitating private communications involve devices such as telephones or electronic mail.


Example of SMS text message received on a mobile phone
  • Mobile Phones
Mobiles phones may be considered a private communication device, because they are usually associated with or owned by a single individual. One possible limitation of using mobile phones for emergency communications, in a bomb-threat situation, for example, might include the potential of cellular networks being disabled for fear that a bomb might be detonated using a cellular phone.
  • Line-based Phones
These phones, in whole or in part (e.g. a cordless telephone with base station), are physically connected to and rely upon a wire (often called a landline) to operate. As with mobile phones, these are often associated with a single person, family or business. Regardless, this method may be considered private due to a single phone device’s inherent weakness in reaching large numbers of people at the same time.
  • SMS/Text Messaging
SMS text messages should be considered a type of private communication because they are directed toward a specific mobile phone number; and, thus, they are designed to reach one person at a time without the general public knowing anything about the message. A limitation in using SMS messaging for emergencies might be that it doesn't meet the needs of emergency communication: that is, it must be highly reliable, have excellent access control, and high-speed delivery.[46]
  • Social Media - Syndicated Emergency Communications
    • Twitter is an online social networking and micro-blogging service utilizing SMS text messaging. While it wasn’t intended or designed for high performance communication, the idea that it could be used for emergency communication certainly was not lost on the originators, who knew that the service could have wide-reaching effects early on, when the San-Francisco, California-based company used it to communicate during earthquakes.[47]
    • Facebook may have potential for emergency communication, as it has a large involved user-base.
  • Electronic Mail
Email should be considered a type of private communication because it is sent to a specific email address, which is associated with a person. Emails can be sent to multiple people, but even this results in multiple individual copies of the email that are ultimately sent to their individual recipients.
Example of an emergency-oriented scrolling instant messenger
  • Emergency-Oriented Instant Messengers / Computer Screen Pop Ups
Personal computer instant messengers have become popular and inexpensive technologies by which to deliver emergency communications to broad or specific audiences in a short period of time. With this technology, emergency communications will "pop up" on the personal computer screens as a new window that sits on top of any other window that may be open on the screen at the time. This technology utilizes LAN and/or WAN networks to deliver short messages, often less than about 120 characters in length, typically in real time. The speed of modern LAN and WAN technologies and the shortness of such messages makes it possible to deliver emergency messages to thousands of computer screens in less than a minute's time.
In private communications, a computer pop-up can be targeted to a specific user, i.e. one that is logged-in to the computer or is associated with that computer in some way. The emergency communication system should be able to define the relationship between the user and his or her computer. A potential limitation of this is that if a user is not logged-in, then the operating system may not allow any messages to display.
In the case of public-oriented emergency communications, a computer pop-up ability might prove useful for public computers or interactive kiosks where more than one person might use it, or for computers with displays that are in prominent locations. In this case, the pop-up might also need to be easily read from a distance, and be able to get attention — similar to how a digital sign may be used. These might be structured as a notification window with static non-moving text, or as a window with scrolling text.
Emergency communications may require certain attributes that are not commonly found in standard instant messengers, here is a list of attributes that may prove valuable to emergency-oriented instant messengers:
·         Prevents the user from killing the program which would prevent the delivery of emergency messages.
·         Delivers emergency messages in a large font that can be easily read a substantial distance from the screen.

Example of an emergency-oriented scrolling instant messenger
·         Scrolls the message across the screen to attact attention and to ensure that the entire message can be displayed without any user effort. Scrolling the message may also allow for the use of a large font and readability from a distance.
·         Non-chat oriented, ensures that the software will be setup for a large scrolling font.
·         Supports many priorities for messages, ensuring that emergency messages are not lost in the crowd of common messages that may appear in the computer screen.
·         Support a noncounterfeit-able signature as part of the message to insure the recipient that the communication can be trusted and that it comes from a known authority.
·         Supports both 1 to 1 and one to many communication.
·         Emergency-oriented instant messenger require that the sender of the message have the ability to update messages that are appearing on users PC screens without the recipient needing to take any action.
·         The sender of an emergency message must have the ability to terminate the display (remove) a message from display on all of the screens that display the message by closing the window in which it is displayed.
·         Supports communications to arbitrary groups of PC, by lists of PC, by lists of users, and by IP address ranges. Each of these addressability options are optimal in specific circumstances and reduce the labor of administration.
Using instant messaging for emergency communications may also present some limitations:
·         If the PC is not connected to the network it will not display the message. This means that the network is another potiential point of failure.
·         If the PC is logged off or if the Screen saver is active and requires a password to access the screen, then conventional knowledge posits that it will prevent the delivery of the emengency message.

Limitations of Emergency Communication Systems

Depending on the location, time, and nature of the emergency, a large variety of limitations could present themselves when it comes to communicating details of an emergency and any resultant actions that may need to be taken to protect life and property. For example, an audio public address system might be rendered ineffective if the emergency happens to be an explosive event which renders most or all of those affected deaf. Another common example might be the limitation of a fire alarm’s siren component in a deaf school. Yet another example of a limitation could be the overloading of public services (such as cellular phone networks), resulting in the delay of vital SMS messages that may be too late.

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