In any educational setting, the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors is a top priority. Whether it’s a medical emergency, an accident, or a more serious incident, having the ability to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference. While calling 911 ensures that emergency services are alerted, it's equally important that your school’s internal response team is notified immediately to manage the situation on-site until professional help arrives.

This means that a system needs to be in place that not only contacts emergency services but also alerts key school personnel—such as security staff, administration, and designated emergency responders—about the situation. These real-time notifications enable swift actions like lockdowns, crowd control, or medical assistance that could be critical in minimizing the impact of the emergency.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps of configuring emergency call notifications for your school. We’ll explore the different types of notifications available—phone calls, messages, and emails—and how they can be customized to ensure the right people are informed at the right time. By implementing a comprehensive notification system, your school will be better equipped to handle emergencies, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response that can help protect everyone on campus.

Understanding the Need for Emergency Notifications

When someone at your school dials 911, immediate on-site action is often necessary to manage the situation until emergency services arrive. This means that, in addition to alerting authorities, notifications should be sent to relevant school personnel to enact immediate care or disaster measures. Configuring these notifications correctly ensures that all involved parties are aware of the emergency and can act accordingly.

How to Configure Emergency Notifications

To set up emergency call notifications, you'll need to access and edit your domain settings in the portal. Begin by logging into your portal and navigating to the "Domains" section. Here, you'll select the domain you wish to configure and click on "Edit."

Once in the domain settings, locate the "Emergency" tab. This section contains the options for setting up notifications related to emergency calls. You have three primary methods for alerting key personnel: phone calls, phone messages, and emails. Each method serves a different purpose and ensures that notifications reach the appropriate individuals.

Phone Call Notifications

The first option for notifications is via phone calls. Enter the names or phone numbers of users who should receive automated phone alerts. This is particularly important for individuals who need immediate, direct communication about the emergency. For instance, in a school setting, you might set up phone call notifications for campus security officers or the school principal. This ensures that they are quickly informed and can begin coordinating the response efforts on-site.

Phone Message Notifications

The second method is through phone messages, specifically SIP text messages. Enter the names or phone numbers of users who should receive these text alerts. This method is useful for reaching additional staff members who may be away from their desks or otherwise occupied. For example, in a large school, you could set up SIP text message notifications for emergency response team members or other critical staff who need to be kept informed.

Email Notifications

The third option is to configure email notifications. Provide the email addresses of those who should receive email alerts. This is particularly useful for administrative or managerial staff who need to be updated on the situation and any follow-up actions. For instance, school administrators or district officials might be included in this list to manage communication with external stakeholders and oversee the broader response measures.

Finalizing Your Settings

After entering the necessary information for each notification method, be sure to click "Save" to apply your changes. It’s also important to regularly review and update your notification settings to ensure they remain accurate as staff roles and emergency contacts change over time.

Conclusion

Configuring emergency call notifications is a crucial step in preparing your school for emergencies. By setting up phone call, phone message, and email notifications, you ensure that key personnel are promptly informed and can take immediate action. This proactive approach helps maintain a safe and responsive environment, allowing your school to handle emergencies effectively and efficiently.