VCCCD Emergency Preparedness: Getting the Word out Immediately

(CAMARILLO, Calif.) November 18, 2019 –
In response to a need to improve emergency communications, the Ventura County Community College District is implementing a state-of-the-art emergency mass notification system to disseminate real-time information to all students, guests, faculty, staff and administrators, whether they are on a campus or not. These notifications will be prior to, during and after an emergency such as fire, earthquake, severe weather, active shooter, hazardous material, power outage and more.

The system is capable of delivering notifications 24/7, 365 days a year at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula, Oxnard College Fire Safety/Technology Academy, Oxnard College Marine Center and the District Administration Center.

“The District is continually seeking to improve its campus and site facilities in all aspects of infrastructure, physical presence and a positive learning environment, including safety and security measures for students, employees and visitors,” said VCCCD Vice Chancellor of Business Services David El Fattal.

Work on the system installation is planned to be in two phases. Global CTI will complete Phase One using the current infrastructure so mobile and desktop solutions can be made available immediately. Phase Two will involve cabling, configuration and device installation. The system at all VCCCD sites is expected to be completed in 2021. Phase One began this fall at Ventura College.

“Safety and emergency preparedness at our campuses is of the utmost priority,” added Board Chair Dianne McKay. “Global CTI is a leader in the emergency notification industry with a proven track record of implementations at other California community colleges.”

The District’s planned Emergency Notification Solution (ENS) infrastructure will provide notifications through computer monitors, digital signage, outdoor speakers, short message service, public announcements, email and mobile apps. By integrating multiple communication methods, people will see and hear simultaneous audible and visual alerts. Messages will be distributed through indoor and outdoor speakers, classroom displays, dual-sided LCD devices in hallways, text messages on personal devices, and instructions from faculty, staff or administrators, who will also receive alerts on individual mobile apps. 

The system’s solution is designed to be highly flexible and scalable and allows for growth as requirements change over time.

About Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 115-campus California Community College system, and serves more than 32,000 students annually. The District’s three colleges–Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura–offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities.