Digital signage is perfectly positioned to assist with the relaying of information to large crowds of people in the event of an emergency. Recent events in the United States of America have highlighted the need for authorities to communicate and update people that are trapped in life-threating situations.

Gone are the days when institutions and authorities had to rely on static and prearranged emergency plans hoped that word of mouth and speakerphones would transmit their instructions to an often frightened public. Instead they are now able to transmit up-to-date instructions which can be adjusted to meet a variety of situations and can be delivered as a consistent message to all affected people. This ultimately increases public safety and emergency response times and leads to saved lives.

Institutions and emergency services can use digital signage in a variety of ways:

• Provide visual and dynamic demonstrations of current escape routes
• Communicate with large crowds of people in a consistent and clear manner
• Provide real-time information on the crisis as it unfolds
• Allow for varied messages for people in different areas of the venues
• Use the signage for a variety of other uses and communications during non-emergency times

Essentially digital signage can allow rescue, crowd management and crowd communication efforts to be infinitely more efficient and effective in a cost-effective manner, resulting in increased public safety. These are just some examples of the ways digital signage can be used to increase public safety in times of emergency.