ENS and Protecting First Responders

Much has been said about the benefits of emergency notification for ensuring public safety. As Rick and I attend the Fire Rescue International Show in Chicago, however, it occurs to us how little has been said about the benefits of emergency notification for first responder safety. Here are a few thoughts on how ENS provides for a safer responder environment:

Reduced panic.
At times, we hear concerns from emergency managers that mass calling will incite panic among citizens making the situation worse while placing first responders in even greater danger. Though one can imagine certain limited scenarios where this might be the case, empirical research and years of practical system usage by agencies across the country do not support this fear. Instead, clear information provides some measure of comfort to citizens, reducing panic and irrational behavior while creating a safer environment for responders.

Reduced threats.
Danger criminal behavior may occur both during and after critical events such as a disaster. One of the interesting findings post-Katrina was looting and rioting (perhaps more limited in frequency than portrayed in the media) occurred with more frequency several days into the crisis; a key driving factor behind the behavior was uncertainty and a lack of communication on when conditions would change. While analogies aren't perfect here as notification systems did not have power or infrastructure to work immediately after this disaster, the principal nevertheless remains. Poor or no information can lead to erratic and dangerous citizen behavior placing first responders in greater harm.

Appropriate public response.
A study on the San Diego wildfires of 2007 (covered previously in our blog) examined the impact of emergency notification on citizen behavior. A key finding emerged: people who received an alert were more likely to follow evacuation instructions than those who did not. Citizens following these types of instructions create a safer environment for responders, particularly in diminishing problems with access and egress.

Intelligence & situational awareness.
A final way emergency notification technology provides safety for first responders is in the knowledge gained from citizens as a result of an alert. Many examples exist of responder agencies issuing alerts and citizens calling back to identify the whereabouts of a criminal or provide other useful information. As knowledge is power, such intelligence allows for a better prepared response and a less risky operation (at least to some degree).


While ENS is clearly a significant tool for protecting local citizens, it is also a tool for protecting the protectors. With an effective notification program, everyone wins.

Best regards,

Lorin


Galain Solutions, Inc. helps public safety agencies develop effective emergency notification programs. For more information, email: info@galainsolutions.com.