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Chicomm Blog

In both emergencies and daily life alike, updated communications systems are mission critical to saves lives, protect property and preserve communities. During natural disasters, large crime scenes or every day incidents, an effective emergency response system requires swift and reliable communications.

Public safety agencies and first responders rely on strong communications for today’s needs and as they prepare for the exciting future promise of Next Generation 9-1-1, or NG911, to catch up to consumer technology. All while they’re battling budgetary and resource constraints.

As technology continues to evolve, both in public safety and beyond, the importance of updated emergency communications equipment becomes even more clear.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Interoperability, Safety Solutions

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Most lists of workplace safety tips focus on the physical: proper posture, the importance of the right safety gear, the need to take regular breaks. But what about workplace safety that relates to communication, not just technology, but workers’ ability to effectively relate to each other?

A National Public Radio story recently relayed how Shell drastically improved worker safety on oil rigs in the 1990s by transforming rig culture with an unorthodox approach: They got workers to be vulnerable with each other by communicating more openly.

Through a series of intense and emotional sessions, oil rig workers were encouraged to open up to each other about their lives and struggles. That vulnerability led to more honest communication about a host of other things, which led to more opportunities to keep themselves safe. And it contributed to a lower accident rate and higher productivity.

Tags: Safety Solutions, Manufacturing, Healthcare

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Commercial alarm systems don’t just protect the safety and security of your staff and property, they’re an important investment in your peace of mind. The right alarm system can make all the difference when it comes to preventing, handling and reporting incidents.

When you’re choosing the right system for your business or property, keep in mind what level of sophistication and convenience you need. As you’re conducting your search for a commercial alarm system, here are some features to look for:

Tags: Technology, MOTOTRBO, Safety Solutions, Video Surveillance

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From college campuses to K-12 classrooms, schools across the country are tasked with improving student safety and staff communication, especially in the wake of an emergency or violent situation. However, a limited budget can make these improvements seem daunting (or even impossible) for administrations to make.

Before we dive in and explore some various communications solutions for schools, here are a few insights courtesy of Motorola Solutions to help you visualize this issue.

Tags: Motorola Solutions, Education, Safety Solutions

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The future of 9-1-1 communications is changing. The things that worked in the past have been sufficient but thanks to innovation and technology, there are now new opportunities to enhance the dynamic between the person reporting a public safety incident and the responder mediating the conversation. Cell phones and wireless connectivity are shaping up to be great contributors to the next generation of 9-1-1 operations.

While it may not be extremely evident yet, the incorporation of these new technologies in 9-1-1 responding has been evolving as peoples’ wireless usage changes. Next Generation 911 (NG911), will be a primary contributor to the new landscape of emergency reporting and response. Next Generation 9-1-1 pushes for the incorporation of wireless communication solutions to enhance public safety operations.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Next Generation Public Safety, Safety Solutions

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As children, we were taught to call 9-1-1 whenever there is an emergency nearby. It is something that has been ingrained in us. We call them first for a reason: we expect them to help us, and help us quickly. But what if the police officer, firefighter or EMT paramedic was unable to respond to your crisis because they didn’t know how to get to your location? Thanks to GPS, we don't need to worry about that anymore.  

GPS (global positioning system) has taken the guesswork out of navigation and made directions immediately accessible. The accuracy of the system has made GPS an asset to military, stock market users and emergency responders. The atomic clock’s ability to be within a millisecond can provide this industry with the precision to make calculated decisions with confidence.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Safety Solutions, GPS

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Students heading off to college in the fall expect to be safe as they settle into their dorms and navigate their way through new campuses. With that expectation comes a need for colleges and universities to continually improve tactics for campus communucation, security and emergency response to ensure students remain safe during day-to-day activities, sporting events, and other school functions.

Tags: Two Way Radios, MOTOTRBO, Education, Safety Solutions, Digital Two-Way Radios

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Planning any outdoor event requires great teamwork.  Someone needs to make sure the petit fours are delivered on time, but most importantly, someone has to know what Mother Nature might bring and how often will she change her mind.  Making a "weather team" part of the planning crew will make your event much safer and more successful for all involved.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Rental Equipment, Safety Solutions

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We thought we’d round up some of the top highlights this week in the Communication world and give them to you in one place. Check out some buzz worthy stories happening in the wireless communication, hospitality, and public safety world!

1) Public Safety Grants: The Assistance to Firefighters Grant deadline is TODAY! Be sure to check out the FEMA website if you haven’t already. If you’ve ran out of time for this grant, don’t worry. There’s a few more with deadlines that are soon approaching. Be sure to check out these Federal Grant Opportunities to see if you qualify!

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Wireless Communication, Next Generation Public Safety, Grant Funding, Safety Solutions, FCC

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We thought we’d round up some of the top highlights this week in the Communication world and give them to you in one place. Check out some buzz worthy stories happening in the wireless communication and public safety world!

1)  Drones- Although the majority of the public fears the use of drones and their own privacy, firefighters are actually encouraging the use of these robots. They say the drones can help spot and view fires before the firefighters even get to the blaze, allowing for more adequate relief. Right now, officers can only see the fire when it’s right in front of them. These drones would consist of a camera strapped to an aviation unit, to help firefighters identify the blaze. Fireflight owner, Jerry Stuckey said, "The way I see it, it's technology, and technology that can save lives and property." Read more on the implementation of drones to help firefighters here.

Tags: Motorola Solutions, Wireless Communication, Next Generation Public Safety, Safety Solutions

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