Broadcast without using the console

[kidpressingbuttons]

Currently looking at our evacuation procedures for armed intruders or other threats. Each of which will require a different alarm.

We currently have impero on site and had the idea of broadcasting a message or image to all machine using a code word.

 

However this would rely on someone actually sending out this message in such an eventuality- we have two possible ideas:

• set up a script that would send an email to a distribution group who would have access to the impero console who would in turn broadcast the message.
  
• or would their be a way to set up a simple script or shortcut to broadcast through impero without having to open it up and select machines- so this could be used by the front desk staff quickly.
  
• Or use a different solution entirely not involving Impero.
  

[dapaulio]

Armed intruders? Where do you work?

Sorry but I would think your front desk will have other ideas, mainly not trying to sh*t herself whilst an armed intruder is in front of her/him. I doubt an all staff notification of a code whatever will be on her mind

[DJ-1701]

Ideally I would believe this would be a job for the bell system with a certain ring, as it is possible that not everyone would be using a computer at the time. Plus if the PC is projecting at the time of the message, the kids may think somethings up with a cryptic word on display.

 

@dapaulio It's possible, past events have shown that unfortunately, plus this system would be used for other eventualities, so it makes sense to think about the scenarios.

[kidpressingbuttons]

All schools in our area have been warned by the LEA to start looking at these eventualities as some schools have received scares and threats over the past few weeks. You may see some other threads on here with people looking into different means of alerting their schools. Burying our heads in the sand really isn't the best practice!

[Arreks]

As someone who works in the City this kind of thing is pretty common @dapaulio I'd avoid Impero as it will require interaction with the console. There have been threads for "panic buttons" on here which may be a bit better when modified.

[Boredguy]

I'd also rule Impero out for the notifications (and did so when we had some "advisers" in recently looking at just his issue)

Netsupport has a little tool that will do the notification and on of the other threads suggested it was quite cheap per station and would allow you to install it on your reception computers without any issue as it only sends the message out, it can not monitor screens.

[GeekyPete]

We have a procedure in place for such eventualities. We decided against the computer based alert as it was too patchy. Not every area has someone watching the screen and people need to know NOW! The school bell is used, then access throughout the school is restricted with all doors locked, staff and students go in to designated safe areas and only come out when they hear a pre-arranged code word.

[Oaktech]

We have a bell code, which is a continuous, several seconds on several 10s of seconds off, which is triggered by a shrouded button somewhere in reception. It can only be cancelled by an alarm key holder and the button also requires a key to reset.

[jmak]

We regularly run a critical incident review to test procedures - in the past we've done fatal accidents on school trips and similar. Always a joyful day.

 

Last term we stepped through a scenario of an armed intruder on site. This resulted in us producing a "lock down" procedure. We decided that no one would have time to either send or read a message on the network. We will use an agreed pattern of bell rings and hit the emergency police contact alarm button. We're also getting walkie talkies to communicate across site (including outdoor areas where phone and network connections won't reach).

 

We're also going to hold regular drills along the same principle as fire drills.

Edited February 8, 2016 by jmak