Emergency Alerts

What Are Emergency Alerts?

Emergency alerts are a digital signage feature that lets administrators instantly push urgent messages to all screens, overriding whatever content is currently playing. They're designed for safety-critical communications that need to reach everyone in a building immediately.

How They Work

1. An administrator triggers an alert from the CMS dashboard or a dedicated alert interface
2. All targeted screens immediately switch to the emergency message
3. The alert typically includes bold text, high-contrast colors (often red), and clear instructions
4. When the emergency is over, the admin clears the alert and screens return to normal content

Common Scenarios

• Fire evacuations — display exit routes and assembly points
• Severe weather — tornado warnings, hurricane alerts, shelter locations
• Security threats — lockdown instructions, active threat notifications
• Medical emergencies — AED locations, emergency contact information
• Utility issues — water shutoffs, power outages, elevator closures

Where They're Critical

• Universities — campus-wide safety communications
• Corporate offices — building evacuation and safety info
• Hospitals — code announcements and emergency procedures
• Government buildings — public safety communications

Best Practices

• Test regularly — run scheduled alert tests so staff know the system works
• Keep messages simple — clear, concise instructions in large text
• Use pre-built templates — have emergency templates ready before you need them