Property Managers Leverage Apps To Enhance Their Preparedness Campaigns

It seems every day we are inundated with grim headlines and images of acts of terrorism that serve as painful reminders highlighting the importance of preparedness. But can the seeming ubiquity of these acts of violence leave us desensitized, or worse, with a sense of futility?

September is officially National Preparedness Month, and maintaining constant vigilance and staying informed of the latest preparedness initiatives is the best way to meet its objective—protecting against a potential threat.

This idea of being proactive is aligned with the “Don’t Wait, Communicate” theme the government is again championing for National Preparedness Month after its success last year, and now, more than ever, we communicate with mobile apps.

ETS offers several ways property managers and their teams can prepare in the case of emergencies. It has a Prepared Property App Package as well as Instant Alert and Email Notification Applications— tools proven to advance safety and security campaigns.

These facilitate seamless and efficient communication, insulating against tragedy. The apps and portal have the capacity to greatly diminish an event’s impact. Terrorism is pernicious, but learning the proper protocols for personal and building safety can combat it.

Active shooters pose the most imminent threat, so learning active shooter mitigation is paramount to staying safe. Below, brush up on the ways to mentally and physically prepare in an emergency.

• Have an escape route plan in mind
• Leave belongings behind
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
• Help others escape, if possible
• Do not attempt to move the wounded
• Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be
• Keep hands visible
• Call 911 when safe
• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
• Lock the door or block entry to your hiding place
• Silence your cellphone and remain quiet
• Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter if you feel capable

Also remember three things:

• The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams, which will treat and remove the injured, to follow.
• When law enforcement arrives, drop all items, raise your hands and keep them visible at all times, avoid quick movements, avoid pointing, screaming or yelling, and do not ask questions when evacuating.
• Once you have reached a safe location, you likely will be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

For more information on preparedness click here.

For more information on Prepared Property click here.

For more information on the Instant Alert tool click here.

For more information on the Email Notification App click here.