Between bushfires, tsunamis, shark attacks, cyclones and floods, we’ve all seen the devastating human toll of emergencies and extreme weather events. Fortunately, society is better equipped than ever to alert people to danger.
We can now use sensors, tags, vision-based AI and a range of advanced technology to identify and communicate risks using emergency warning and safety systems that trigger onsite alerts. Often, this can be long before the danger is even visible to the naked eye. Employing remote communication can make these systems all the more powerful – and for two very important reasons.
#1: Delivering warnings and directions in a changing environment
The first advantage of remote communication is the ability to send warnings and directions to the site in question, quickly and clearly. This could be through a loud automated spoken message in the case of a shark tag being triggered at a remote beach, alerting beach-goers and surfers in the water that there’s a hazard nearby. It could also be through two-way communication with the site, which gives you the advantage of feedback both ways.
Let’s say you have camera-based intelligent warning systems set up to detect the presence of smoke in a remote campsite area. If you have remote two-way communication enabled, you can respond to an alert situation in several ways:
- Monitor the camera-based vision and any associated sensors in real time to assess the environment remotely
- Ask questions of the people on the ground about conditions, wellbeing or access
- Broadcast loud evacuation directions according to current and changing conditions
- Assure people that help is on its way.
Remote two-way communication doesn’t just help you to make more informed decisions – it can also help you to direct resources in a fast and safe way.
#2: Protecting rescue teams and first responders
The other vital element of any emergency situation is ensuring you’re not sending people in only to be hurt, or worse, as they respond to the situation. Remote communication can be invaluable as you and your response team assess the situation via visual, verbal and sensor information from a safe place, focusing entirely on the task at hand. It is even possible to deploy written messages on remotely programmable digital signboards for longer term communications. You can use the gathered information from your early warning alert and response system to:
- Assess ideal entry and exit routes for first responders
- Determine whether people are present and at risk
- Dispatch resources and teams accurately, so you won’t have unneeded personnel onsite
- Pack tools or equipment with clearer information about what’s actually needed.
Pre-emptive warnings can save lives
An emergency warning and intercommunication system should go hand in hand, which is why Spectur’s STA6 solar security camera includes a microphone and speaker for two-way feedback and programmable messages. Alternatively, our SWC5 model, which builds on the HD5 and shark warning platforms, can be equipped with a video VOIP phone and digital signboard. Both are supported by 3G/4G modems for reliable remote monitoring.
Spectur can help you to develop a temporary, rapid deployment or more permanent wireless and robust emergency public warning system to suit your specific needs, whether you plan to monitor for smoke, fire, seismic activity, presence of sharks or unusual tides. Call Spectur’s technology team today on 1300 802 960 to get started.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Spectur. For more information, visit spectur.com.au/.
