About This Episode
Main Message: Genasys is transforming public safety by providing a zone-based, end-to-end communication platform that delivers precise, actionable evacuation instructions to residents in under five minutes.
Key Points
From Acoustic Hardware to Integrated Software: Genasys originally gained prominence with Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) for military use. Today, it has evolved into a comprehensive protective communications company. By integrating the “Zonehaven” platform, they provide a seamless flow of information from the first responder on the scene to the resident’s smartphone and outdoor warning speakers.
Precision Over Broad Alerts: Traditional emergency alerts often cover entire counties, leading to “alert fatigue” where the public ignores warnings. Genasys uses over 30 datasets to create pre-determined evacuation zones. This allows incident commanders to “pull the trigger” on specific, high-risk areas, ensuring only those in danger are notified with clear, localized instructions.
The Power of Pre-Incident Planning: A critical component of the system is the “ground-truthing” process. Before an emergency occurs, fire departments, law enforcement, and local stakeholders collaborate to validate these zones. This builds essential relationships and ensures that the technology reflects the actual geography and needs of the community.
Interoperability and Real-Time Routing: Genasys shares its data with common platforms like Waze, Watch Duty, and Google. A unique partnership with Waze allows the system to provide residents with navigation links that are cognizant of the danger zones, directing them along the safest possible evacuation routes.
Notable Quotes
“As first responders, we need really simple, straightforward, intuitive solutions. I don’t need complexity. I don’t need a whole bunch of layers. I need something that’s going to work when it’s really hitting the fan.”
— Chief Ken Kemna, Senior Policy Adviser to the Western Fire Chiefs Association
“From the time fire arrives on scene and calls for an emergency, the residents are alerted in five minutes or less. No one’s doing that other than us.”
— Steve Sickler, VP of Sales and Operations at Genasys
Conclusion
This technology is a vital tool for modern incident commanders, significantly reducing their cognitive load during the chaotic early stages of a disaster. By shifting from reactive, broad-based warnings to a proactive, zone-based management system, public safety leaders can fulfill their core mission: the protection of life. Whether facing wildfires, floods, or active shooter situations, the precision and speed of Genasys ensure that communities are better prepared to move out of harm’s way efficiently.