A “Panic Button” is a strategically-located, hardwired button or wireless key fob used to silently and immediately notify police in emergency situations.
One or more panic buttons can be installed at key locations around your facility—such as church, daycare, school or workplace—to provide an added measure of security and speed up response time in the event of an emergency.
How Do Panic Buttons Work?
When a panic button is pressed it immediately sends an electronic signal directly to the security company’s monitoring station, which simultaneously contacts police to alert them to the location of the alarm.
How Are Panic Buttons Installed?
Existing Burglar Alarm Systems
The majority of existing panic buttons are tied into a company’s burglar alarm system. If a business or other facility has an existing burglar alarm without a panic button, the addition of a panic button is usually straightforward and cost effective.
Panic Buttons & Video Surveillance
Some of the newer security systems have the panic button tied into the video surveillance monitoring system.
In these situations if a panic button is activated, it’s possible to remotely look into the video camera system to identify the threat. The security monitoring company can make the first review for threat assessment and determine next actions based on established procedures.
If there is a holdup or life-threatening situation unfolding, the video monitoring company can call the police without the perpetrator ever being aware of the alert.
In low risk situations—such as people loitering—the video monitoring company can simply talk through the cameras (“voice down”) and alert people that they are under surveillance or trespassing. The loiterers or trespassers usually leave without the need for further intervention. If they don’t leave, the police can be notified.
Where Can Panic Buttons Be Used?
Panic buttons can be used almost anywhere. Common locations include:
- Receptionist desk
- Bank tellers
- Worship areas
- Daycare and schools classrooms
- Movie theatres
- Retail check-out counters
- Industrial and manufacturing facility guard stations
We are developing a case study blog post involving a church’s use of a panic button in its overall physical security plan, so check back in a few days for a link to that article.
Your Free Needs Assessment
As a professional security consultant and electronic security expert, I am constantly amazed at how underutilized panic buttons are in the workplace. They are probably one of the least expensive and most effective tools available in the security marketplace.
If your business, church, daycare or private school is located in Central or North Alabama, we offer free security needs assessment consultations. Vulcan Security Systems is a locally-owned provider based in Birmingham, Alabama. Our service area extends from around north Montgomery, north to the Huntsville area, west to Tuscaloosa and east to Gadsden/Anniston area.
Contact us through the form on this page
or simply call Vulcan Security Systems today: 205-290-9404.
