Empowering Federal Agencies with Secure Communication Tools
When a critical situation or a non-urgent incident requires one-to-many communication, a safe and reliable messaging platform is key. Federal agencies in particular need a tool that enhances response to an emergency, as well as manages communication for day-to-day matters.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why an effective communication and collaboration tool is so important for federal agencies, what features such a tool should include, and how Rave Mobile Safety can empower federal organizations to meet the challenges they face regularly.
Why your communication methods matter
Federal agencies need a communication platform that is reliable, compliant, and user-friendly. Not just for everyday usage and communicating internally, but also for notifying the public and state and local agencies if needed.
That’s where a mass notification system like Rave Alert can come in handy. A mass notification system allows system administrators and users to send one notification to many recipients simultaneously, across multiple modes of communication. You can imagine how such a system can potentially save lives by providing crucial information during emergencies.
For example, during civil disturbances that took place in 2021, video surveillance captured by the FBI was shared remotely with local law enforcement agencies to help coordinate the appropriate response.
Mass notification systems are valuable in day-to-day situations as well. Tasks such as polling for feedback, sharing safety policies and emergency procedures, or keeping remote and in-office government employees in the loop can all be done with a mass notification system.
Choosing the right platform for your federal agency
Choosing a communication system for your federal agency or department can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be. The right communication and collaboration platform should benefit your agency in the following ways.
Easy to use
Technology may be ubiquitous, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is comfortable using it, older employees in particular. It’s even more important that your communication tool is easy to use during a dangerous or stressful critical event.
Integrates with existing systems
Many federal organizations have already invested in communication systems. Uprooting and replacing these existing systems can be costly and time-consuming. A mass notification system that integrates with your system can streamline efficiency, and even help agencies stay compliant.
Safe and secure
Information shared within or from federal agencies must be protected, as well as delivered reliably. A communication platform that fulfills both of these needs should be certified.
For example, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) has outlined specific security and protection standards that ensure cloud products and services are secure and protected. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also provides important legal liability protection for communication services under the SAFETY Act. Look for these two authorizations when choosing a communication and collaboration tool for your agency.
Flexible messaging
Some mass notification systems place a limit on the number of characters allowed per message. In an emergency, this can restrict what crucial information can be sent, which can impact response and recovery. In a non-emergency, this can create problems when sharing important instructions or requests.
To get around this challenge, it’s best to have a system that supports short-form messaging, such as SMS, as well as long-form messaging, like emails. The more flexible the messaging capabilities, the better the chance a notification is received in full.
Unlimited messages on multiple channels
During a critical event, you don’t want to risk someone not receiving an emergency message, or not receiving it quickly enough. Pick a mass notification system that allows for unlimited messages on multiple channels — not just texts, emails, or voice calls.
Many federal agencies already have communication systems like digital signage or public address systems in place. Utilize those, as well as platforms like social media, desktop, and emails, in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Learn more about Rave’s communication and collaboration capabilities
To protect and empower their employees as well as state or local agencies they collaborate with, federal agencies must use a communication tool that is secure, user-friendly, and reliable. The Rave critical communication and collaboration platform meets the needs of federal agencies and more.
The Rave critical communication and collaboration platform includes tools and features such as:
- Rave Alert, the leading FedRAMP-authorized mass notification system that allows governments, K12 schools, higher education institutions, and other organizations to send messages quickly and reliably in just three clicks
- Rave Collaborate, a user-friendly dashboard that makes compliance and safety tasks easier, from decision-making to assigning roles to sharing key resources
- Rave Panic Button, an emergency communication tool that improves incident management and collaboration during an emergency situation
A comprehensive communication system improves both critical response, preparation for unexpected emergencies, and day-to-day operational communication for federal agencies. Protect and inform the people within your organization, as well as those who communicate and collaborate with your organization, by choosing Rave Mobile Safety as your communication tool today.
At Rave, we’re proud to work with federal agencies such as government organizations, public safety agencies, law enforcement, and more. We’re always developing features and capabilities that meet the rigorous demands of such agencies, and drive to improve the Rave platform constantly. We offer prepackaged solutions for federal agencies, but we can also configure a package that’s right for you. Learn more about Rave’s options for your agency by scheduling a demo today.
