Hold-Up. Duress. Panic.
What exactly are panic buttons? Panic buttons are specialized emergency devices that are used to request immediate police, fire or medical help. Once a panic button has been pressed, it will send a signal to the security system, which will in turn send a distress signal to a central monitoring station. From there, the central monitoring station will send emergency personnel to the address that they have on file. The type of help that is sent will depend upon how exactly the panic button was programmed with the security system.
Panic buttons are appropriate for both commercial and residential applications. For example, many banks and retail establishments have one or more panic buttons that can be pressed in the event of a robbery. A restaurant will often have a panic button mounted under the bar near the cash register. The panic button can be pressed in the event of an unruly intoxicated individual threatening the bartender. This will alert the authorities without tipping off the individual that panic button has been activated. A person may also have a panic button inside their home so that if there is a break in, they can quickly alert the police before the burglars realize that the authorities are on their way.
Almost every business can benefit from the use of panic alarms. Places where panic alarms may be particularly beneficial include:
- Receptionist's desks in building lobbies.
- Security stations and checkpoints.
- Shipping/receiving areas.
- Customer service counters.
- Check-out counters and cashier's stations.
- Rooms where cash or other valuables are received, processed, or stored.
- Interview rooms in Human Resources department.
- Executive office suites.
- Places where confrontations with the public are likely to occur.
Types of Panic Buttons:
- Wall Mounted Panic/Hold-Up Button
- Under the Counter Mounted Panic/Hold-Up Button
- Wireless Keyfob that attaches to a key-chain
There are some different ways that panic buttons can be programmed with a security panel in order to prevent false alarms. For example, the programming settings may require a panic button to be pressed twice in order to send an alarm signal. Another option is to have the central monitoring station call the user before sending dispatch, in case the button was pressed accidentally. Panic buttons can also be programmed to either have the alarm produce an audible siren or to produce no sound so that the device serves as a silent alarm.
Like many devices, panic buttons can be supervised with the system so that the user will be sure that the device is functioning properly. For example, if the panic button has a low battery or goes out of range, a message will be displayed.
Contact me at 503-883-4139 or email me to start protecting your employees, guests or family members with a panic button today.
