Author(s)

M. Reiss & F. Li

Abstract

Mass notification systems (MNSs) are a relatively new concept as a result of the problems that occurred in maintaining communications and directing occupants to safety on September 11, 2001. The design of a MNS combines both a communications infrastructure and an emergency management strategy that will deliver real-time information and instructions to people in a single building or on an entire campus. This paper addresses the eight steps in the design of a successful MNS. They are the analysis of the threat, how the facility operates on a daily basis, development of a master plan, integration of the personnel alerting subsystems, development of an emergency action plan, implementation, staff training and periodic review. Keywords: mass notification, emergency communication, personnel alerting, occupant safety.

Keywords

mass notification, emergency communication, personnel alerting,occupant safety