Panic Buttons and Security

How to Integrate Panic Buttons into Your Security System

active shooter school alert

Panic buttons can be added to security systems to increase safety and security. For example, these alarm buttons can be integrated into a security system such as surveillance camera systems, Paging systems, and door access control systems. Placing panic buttons in strategic areas can help to assure quick response to emergencies. There is even a mobile personal panic button that can be carried with you.

Emergencies occur without warning. It could be a health problem, an active shooter situation, or a criminal attack. The panic button provides rapid emergency notification. Here’s how to add panic buttons to security systems.

Add Panic Buttons to IP Surveillance Camera System

Panic Button for IP Camera Surveillance Systems
Panic Button for IP Camera Surveillance Systems

Many network attached surveillance cameras have I/O connections. The button can be attached to the I/O input to provide a signal to the video management software. The alert appears on the security person’s console, along with the video from a nearby camera.

Once the security person is notified of the emergency, they can determine the best course of action. The surveillance camera system provides the information they need to make a decision.

It is important to use video management software that includes the ability to notify the security person. For example, the WAVE software and the Ocularis software have menu selections that determine what happens when a camera IO is detected. The Ocularis software displays the video and makes an alert sound that notifies the person of the alarm condition.

Panic Button Added to the Paging System

Emergency Camera System Automated Response
Emergency Camera System Automated Response

An IP paging system can utilize a panic button.  The button can notify your organization about emergencies such as a fire. The fire alarm notification can be completely automated.

The button connects to the IO input of the IP audio input device. The signal alerts the command control software. The “if-then” logic generates a pre-recorded announcement, such as “Fire detected, Please exit the building!” The system can be programmed to alert the security person, so instead of generating an automated message, it can allow the security person to make the decision. Either way, the panic button alert provides a very quick way to react to dangerous situations.

Panic Buttons Added to Intercoms

panic button intercom

A button can be attached to an intercom, to provide a controlled response to a situation. For example, an intercom in an administrator’s office can be used to alert security of a hostile event. The security person can listen in to the conversation in the administrator’s office. The audio can be recorded and provide the information needed to correctly react to the situation.

This system uses an IP intercom with a remote button. The command software provides the capability of listening to a conversation. The security person is notified so they can respond.

Panic Buttons Added for Fire Alarms

Panic button for fire alarm door exit
Panic button for fire alarm door exit

Door access control systems control electric locks in your organization. They prevent the wrong people from getting in, but in emergencies, it may be necessary to assure that the doors are all unlocked. This is especially true when magnetic locks are used.  A panic button can assure that all the doors controlled by electric locks are unlocked in an emergency, like a fire.  There are a few ways to control the electric locks. For example, you can attach the button to a relay that opens the power circuit to all the locks. Alternatively, you can add a device-side PoE adapter that provides power to the electric lock. When the alarm button is pressed, the controlled power to the lock is removed.  A dedicated network cable is required between the Altronix transmitter and receiver adapters. A number of receivers can be daisy-chained to one of the receivers connected to the transmitter.

Emergency Center

Mobile Panic Buttons for Security

The latest security innovation is a panic button that you can carry with you. The mobile panic button attaches to your keychain and provides instant emergency notification. The button and service enhance your organization’s security.

Instead of mounting buttons around the campus, you can have a panic button that travels with you.  Whether you are in a school building, on the campus, inside a corporation, or work in a hospital, you can utilize the mobile panic button. The ability to provide a very quick notification allows the school administration or hospital staff to quickly respond to medical emergencies, fire, active shooters, or any other emergency.

The silent-alert capability provides a measured response. The silent alarm capability allows you to make a call to the emergency responder without making any noise. The responder can listen through the button and then decide what action to take.  For example, this silent alert can be used by a teacher in a school. The call to the administration office can determine whether it’s an aggressive student, an active shooter, or a medical emergency. The button provides an open telephone call to the security center so they can analyze the situation by listening to the conversation.

Conclusion

Panic buttons integrate with network-attached security and surveillance systems. These panic buttons add to your security and safety by providing immediate notification of emergencies.  They can be added to IP cameras, IP intercoms and paging systems, and door access control systems. The mobile panic button provides increased personal safety in your workplace or out on the road.


If you would like help selecting the right panic alert system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form.