The pandemic continues to redefine our daily lives. And yet, there is some good news: vaccinations are becoming more and more prevalent. Unfortunately, the “herd immunity” threshold is unlikely to be achieved any time soon. However, by the time the next school year cycle begins, in-person learning could start again. For now, virtual learning continues to be the norm. School administrators can invest in emergent technologies and the infrastructures they already had in place to keep students and staff safe both in the immediate future and down the road from now.
Environmental Alerting is the Linchpin to Everything
Environmental alerting, also known as environmental monitoring, is the key to all of these endeavors. Without this building block, ensuring that the entire campus community is kept safe will be much more difficult. Newer technologies may seem like expensive and unnecessary upgrades, but it’s far better to be safe than sorry. Every element of a school’s infrastructure – pipes/plumbing, refrigerators/freezers, doors/windows, and fire alarm systems can and should integrate. This technological advantage can also monitor HVAC systems. Those assets must be cleaned and maintained, especially when long periods of neglect can cause them to malfunction or break down unexpectedly.
Connecting Automated Alert Systems to Virtual Operations Mainframes
Again, it is more than likely that virtual operations will still be in place a few months from now. Automated alert systems can keep human operators and end-users apprised of any major changes that threaten their campus. Everything from unauthorized intrusions through fire exit doors and leaks in the bathrooms can be detected and sorted out. As such, there will be minimal disruption to the learning environment, regardless of how occupied the building currently is. Live video feeds are also useful, especially when the situation evolves more quickly than predicted. These systems will notify first responders whenever circumstances warrant it. Break-ins and flash fires are bound to happen, and vacant school buildings are more vulnerable.
Making the Most of Mass Notification Systems
Quick messaging, contact tracing, and temperature tracking are essential measures that must continue even after in-person learning resumes. Administrators should overhaul access control systems to link all of these precautions together in order to help contain the further spread of COVID-19.
Another significant benefit of vastly improved mass notification systems has nothing to do with pandemic-induced worries. That’s because officials can communicate school closures, updated guidelines, and lockdown scenarios much more efficiently.
Trust the Professionals at ARK Systems
Located in Columbia, Maryland, ARK Systems provides unsurpassed quality and excellence in the security industry, from system design to installation. We handle all aspects of security with local and remote locations. With over 30 years in the industry, ARK Systems is an experienced security contractor. Trust ARK to handle your most sensitive data storage, surveillance, and security solutions. Contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!