Emergency notification systems

摘要

The specification describes an emergency notification system (ENS) that is integrated with an existing telephone network. The ENS comprises a central emergency coordination center (CECC) that receives information specific to the nature and location of an emergency event, and selects one or more regional emergency coordination center(s) (RECCs) based on the location and nature of the emergency. The RECC selects a list of telephone numbers of customers potentially affected, calls those numbers, and transmits the emergency message. The calls are preferably initiated using a distinctive ring pattern. Techniques for overcoming answering machine interruption are disclosed. Embodiments where the customer is provided with means for detecting the distinctive ring pattern of the ENS, and the detection means directly activates an intrusive alarm or loudspeaker are also disclosed.