Author: Mary Dudley

When Seconds Count

Be Proactive in Your Emergency Preparedness for Earthquakes

March 2024

In a world where natural disasters pose significant threats to life safety, communities, and infrastructure, the need for proactive measures to mitigate their impact is a top priority. Among these disasters, earthquakes are sudden, destructive forces capable of causing widespread devastation within seconds. Yet, amidst the unpredictable nature of seismic events, Valcom’s Earthquake Early Warning System provides on-premises notifications triggered by the USGS ShakeAlert® to alert individuals to take protective actions – DROP! COVER! HOLD ON!

Earthquake early warning systems are pivotal in disaster preparedness and response strategies. These systems leverage technology and scientific understanding to detect seismic activity and provide vital seconds to minutes of warning before destructive shaking occurs. The importance of such warnings cannot be overstated, and here are compelling reasons why investing in earthquake early warning systems is paramount.

First and foremost, the paramount concern in any disaster scenario is preserving human life. With their abrupt onset and potential for catastrophic consequences, Earthquakes demand swift and decisive action. By providing advance notice of impending seismic activity, early warning systems offer precious moments for individuals, communities, and emergency responders to enact life-saving measures. Whether taking cover, securing hazardous materials, or initiating evacuation procedures, even a few seconds of warning can significantly mitigate casualties and injuries. Investing in Valcom’s Earthquake Early Warning System is a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, and providing early earthquake notifications is imperative to saving lives.

The benefits of early warning systems are universal, whether in seismically active regions prone to frequent earthquakes or areas with historically low seismicity. As stewards of our collective safety and well-being, we must prioritize investments in resilient infrastructure and emergency disaster preparedness measures. Valcom has added its Earthquake Early Warning System to its latest product, the VIP-895-E Emergency Communications Panel. The Emergency Communication Panel is a wall-mounted device designed for facilities of any size that integrates with your existing overhead paging system and Valcom visual displays to send emergency alerts to notify employees. VIP-895-E receives ShakeAlert messages, and once the message is received, the VIP-895-E is triggered to send out an Earthquake Early Warning audibly, visibility, or both to satisfy OSHA and ADA regulations.

By adopting Valcom’s Earthquake Early Warning System, you mitigate the immediate seismic risks and enhance safety measures to save lives.

Valcom Warranty

Valcom, Inc. warrants its products only to the original purchaser, for its own use, to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship under conditions of normal use and service for a
period of one year from the date of shipment. This Limited Warranty obligation shall be limited
to the replacement, repair or refund of any such defective device within the warranty period,
provided that:

  1. inspection by Valcom, Inc. indicates the validity of the claim;
  2. the defect is not the result of damage, misuse or negligence after the original
    shipment;
  3. the product has not been altered in any way or repaired by others and that factory
    sealed units are unopened (a service charge plus parts and labor will be applied to
    units defaced or physically damaged);
  4. freight charges for the return of products to Valcom are prepaid;
  5. all units ‘out of warranty’ are subject to a service charge. The service charge will cover
    minor repairs (major repairs will be subject to additional charges for parts and labor).
    This Limited Warranty is in lieu of and excludes all other warranties, expressed or implied and
    in no event shall Valcom, Inc. be liable for any anticipated profits, consequential damages,
    loss of time or other losses incurred by the buyer in connection with the purchase, operation,
    maintenance, installation, removal or use of the product. The maximum liability of Valcom
    under this warranty is limited to the purchase price of the specific Product covered by the
    warranty.
    Disclaimer. Except for the Limited Warranty provided herein, the product is provided “as-is”
    without any warranty of any kind whatsoever including, without limitation, any WARRANTY OF
    MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT.
    This warranty specifically excludes damage incurred in shipment. In the event a product is
    received in damaged condition, the carrier should be notified immediately. Claims for such
    damage should be filed with the carrier involved in accordance with the F.O.B. point.

Headquarters:
Valcom, Inc.
5614 Hollins Road
Roanoke VA 24019-5056
Phone: (540) 563-2000 FAX: (540) 362-9800

Email: is@valcom.com