Due to the digitization megatrend, we are accustomed to looking at digital screens for information, entertainment, and education. Our brains process graphics faster than text, and motion naturally attracts our eyes. These three factors make digital signage for emergency messaging one of the best communication tools available.Digital signage is traditionally used for marketing and general information. Yet don't undervalue its vital role in to relaying potentially life-saving information during an emergency. Digital signage is highly visible and messaging can change instantly to make crowd communication and rescue efforts more efficient.
Schools (K-12, college and university campuses) first adopted digital signage for emergency messaging. A strategically placed digital sign can alert the campus to danger. A carefully crafted message can assist students, staff and faculty in getting to safety.Before digital signage, schools used text/email alerts, intercoms, sirens etc. These were inexpensive solutions that could reach off-campus constituents. However, some methods were not CAP compliant or very reliable. After all, not everyone checks their emails regularly. Further, many K-12 schools do not allow students to carry or use cell phones while on campus.And what about those who have not signed up for alerts? Or those who have turned off their phones? What about the hearing impaired?Those emergency alert systems also failed to address the visual component of mass communication.Digital signage filled this gap. Our brains are visually oriented and respond rapidly to images and motion. As a result, emergency messages displayed on digital signage reach more people than an intercom announcement.Campuses, malls, hospitals, corporate offices, transportation services and government institutions are also starting to use digital signage as an emergency response tool.
Above all, unlike intercoms or loudspeakers, digital signage for emergency messaging does not need real-time monitoring. Emergency alerts and safety instructions can be prepared ahead of time and saved in the digital signage CMS. For example, a tornado warning would activate the display of relevant messages. This “set it and forget it” nature of digital signage frees up your personnel for crisis response.Such a proactive approach also saves time. During an emergency, response time speed can be the difference between life and death. Preparing emergency alerts and safety instructions ahead of time can mean more time to get people to safety.On the other hand, emergencies aren't all the same. Don't worry. Digital signage can also be easily and instantly updated. Most digital signage solutions are cloud-based. This lets operators make updates as the emergency situation changes from any internet-enabled computer.The technology also offers centralized control which expedites message consistency and timeliness. Information that can potentially save lives needs to be on time and accurate. Additionally, centralized control ensures that only authorized personnel have access to the emergency messages.
Digital signage for is made for emergency messaging during dynamically changing emergency situations such as:
Digital emergency signage can use eye-catching graphics to display information such as:
Digital signage is versatile. For example, you can see menu boards, building directory, general information sharing and other applications. When selecting digital signage for emergency messaging, there are some added considerations:
Effective communication and crisis management during an emergency situation all comes down to preparation.According to HigherEd TechDecisions, safety and security officials should follow four steps when using digital signage for emergency messaging:
The primary aim of digital signage for emergency messaging? Instantly delivering an important message to a wide-reaching audience, during a time which could be extremely chaotic.The message has to be accurate, get to the audience quickly, and be easily understood. Here are some of the most popular tips for using digital and video signage as an emergency response tool:
[intense_alert color="warning"]Do you have any other tips for using digital signage for emergency messaging?[/intense_alert]