Smart buildings: how to be prepared for emergencies

Smart buildings: how to be prepared for emergencies

Emergency management is one of the critical points of places and buildings with a high concentration of people. Whether in work settings, public buildings or shopping centers, it is necessary to have a clear action protocol in case of emergency. Knowing the composition of the building, the distribution of the different security elements, the most dangerous areas and their emergency exits is a good way to anticipate a crisis and be able to act more effectively.

Creating virtual emergency scenarios is not science fiction. We currently have devices that allow us to simulate any situation in a controlled 3D environment.Even through mixed reality technologies, such as Microsoft’s Hololens, we can align virtual building models over real ones, so that they match and allow us to safely conduct emergency drills.

We can reproduce situations of low visibility and indicate to the user the escape routes, or moments of panic, where the characters of the scene flee uncontrolled. In this way the building staff can perform all the necessary training without having to alter the daily routine of the building.

Preparation in case of evacuation can be carried out much more frequently and more efficiently and economically.  In addition, it allows to identify the situation of critical and dangerous elements, as well as tools necessary to combat the emergency, such as fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, control panels and important sensor information.

On the other hand, it allows to identify the situation of critical and dangerous elements, as well as tools necessary to combat the emergency, such as fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, control panels and important sensor information.

As a summary, current technology allows us to take a giant step to ensure the safety of smart buildings in emergency situations and improve the reaction of personnel to respond more effectively. This allows us to reduce reaction times and training costs.