When an emergency unfolds, having the ability to clearly see what is happening in real-time can be critical. Likewise, after-incident review and investigation will require clear images of all areas of interest. This involves proper camera count, placement, resolution, and remote access during an emergency. How your emergency response plan can benefit from your video surveillance solution should be part of the design consideration process.

Camera Count

Normally, camera count is a consideration of the security department. They are most often concerned with entrances, exits, areas of congregation, and other high-risk threat areas. To secure these areas, cameras are often installed to observe these areas with the DORI criteria in mind: Detect, Observe, Recognize, Identify. DORI is most often related to capturing information related to people and vehicles involved in an incident. More cameras most often means more evidence for investigations.

Camera Locations

What is not normally considered are areas where normal operations occur. However, being able to view operational areas could prove to be valuable to ensure safety and in case of an emergency.

For example, during an emergency, being able to see gauges on tanks or lever positions on pipes may be critical for evaluating an escalating situation. Viewing the warehouse or manufacturing area can provide information about occupancy for mustering and accountability.

Image Resolution

High resolution images generally provide two primary benefits: clearer images for live view and more pixels for post-incident investigation. Higher resolution allows security forces to view live images of normal operations and emergency incidents underway. After an event occurs, the ability to digitally zoom in on details in the scene becomes critical. The higher the resolution the image, the more pixels are available. Ths means that after an incident, finer details can be reviewed in the footage.

For example, if a camera is placed at a door to capture the faces of people approaching the door, you may get lucky and see a car license plate in the background. With more pixels available in the image, your odds of being able to read the license plate on the vehicle in the background increase.

Remote Access

When operating in an enterprise environment or during an emergency incident, the ability to view live and recorded video from a remote location can be priceless. Centralized investigations can be performed from a main office location. During an emergency evacuation situation, the ability to access camera stream remotely can provide critical situational awareness.

Unique Applications Require Expertise

It is a given that every location requires a unique, customized video surveillance solution. All end user stakeholders must be provided the opportunity to give input. This ensures that the correct number of cameras are observing the ideal areas of the facility related to security, safety, and operations.

The NextGen team is prepared to provide a site evaluation, system design and engineering, installation, and maintenance. Our professional team has expertise in demanding vertical markets like petrochemical, enterprise, higher education, and healthcare. With our experience and expertise, you can be assured that we will deliver the right solution to your security, safety, and operations challenges.