When a security event happens—whether it’s an intrusion, fire alarm, or another emergency—the sequence of response is everything. Your system sends the alert. A monitoring agent reacts immediately. And then, a critical step: we call your emergency contacts.
But what if we can’t reach them?
What if that number is disconnected, or the person who used to be your keyholder hasn’t worked for your company in six months? What if your call list is a forgotten spreadsheet from 2021, buried in a folder that hasn’t been opened since your last management change?
That’s where response time slows. And when it comes to an emergency, every moment matters.
At Park Security Systems, we see firsthand how outdated contact lists stall the response process. Our agents make calls in real-time, expecting live answers and decisive instructions. But when contact data is incorrect—or completely obsolete—we’re left with voicemail boxes, dead ends, or unfamiliar names who aren’t prepared to act.
This isn’t a technology problem. It’s a communication one. And fortunately, it’s easy to fix.
Why Emergency Contact Accuracy Makes or Breaks Response
Imagine your alarm goes off at 2:13 AM. We dispatch police, but per protocol, we also reach out to your emergency contacts. If no one answers—or the contact can’t authorize entry—law enforcement may hold or abandon the response. If we can’t verify the situation or locate a keyholder, your store may sit uninspected until morning.
False alarms are part of the risk, too. Without an updated list, we might escalate a situation that a staff member could’ve cleared up with one call. Worse, fines from false dispatches can add up fast—something no business wants.
What Should Be on Your Contact List?
A strong emergency contact list doesn’t just have a few names jotted down. It’s a thoughtful, practical document tailored to how your business operates. Here’s what it should include:
- Primary contact – Typically the owner, manager, or lead responder.
- Backup contacts – At least two alternates who can verify an incident.
- Keyholders – People who have physical keys or access codes.
- Time-based contacts – Contacts who cover night shifts, weekends, or holidays.
- Preferred method of contact – Do they want a call, text, or both?
This list should reflect your real staffing model, not just titles on paper. If your closing shift manager is always the last one out, they should be listed before a corporate executive who’s never on-site.
Who Should Be on the List? Think Practical, Not Just Hierarchical
Your CEO might technically be in charge, but they probably aren’t the best person to respond to a 3 AM break-in. Instead, consider these roles:
- Store manager – Knows the daily operations.
- Assistant manager – May be closing or opening alone.
- Facilities or maintenance lead – Familiar with alarm panels and physical systems.
- Security liaison or team lead – For larger organizations.
- Property owner or landlord – Especially in rented spaces.
It’s smart to avoid contacts who travel frequently or are rarely available. Your list should reflect people who are nearby, reliable, and authorized to act.
Why It’s More Than Just Names and Numbers
When we say “update your contact list,” we don’t mean just swapping out a few digits. We mean rethinking how your emergency response works from the inside out.
What’s the best order to call your team?
Who responds fastest under pressure?
What’s changed in your staffing or access protocols?
Emergency situations are high-stakes. The last thing you want is for our monitoring team to waste time calling outdated numbers—or to reach someone who’s unprepared or unauthorized.
Common Gaps We See (And How to Close Them)
Still not sure if your list needs work? Here are the top issues we catch during routine reviews:
- Contact lists that haven’t been updated in over a year
- Primary contact no longer employed
- Missing phone numbers or unreadable handwriting on forms
- No indication of when to call whom (e.g., nights/weekends)
- Only one contact is listed for the entire operation
These are easy fixes, but they’re often overlooked—until they matter most.
The Process: How to Update Your Info with Park Security Systems
Updating your contact list is fast and free. You can:
- Call us directly at 1-866-695-6695
- Email your changes to your account rep
- Submit updates via our secure customer portal (for enrolled clients)
Include:
- Full name
- Job title or role
- Direct phone number (cell preferred)
- Email (optional but helpful)
- Any time or shift preferences
Once submitted, we’ll confirm everything back to you and update our system.
Real-World Scenarios That Depend on the Right Call List
You may think, “This probably won’t happen to us.” But we’ve seen it all:
- A new assistant manager locked out of the site while police waited on scene
- An emergency contact that routed to a fax line—twice
- A former employee listed who panicked when called and hung up
- A false alarm handled slowly because the listed contact was on vacation without cell service
None of these were system failures. They were people problems—problems that could’ve been prevented with a five-minute update.
How Often Should You Recheck Your Emergency Contact Info?
The gold standard: every six months.
At Park Security, we recommend you:
- Review during seasonal shifts (e.g., spring and fall)
- Re-check after any staff turnover or organizational change
- Schedule an annual security review that includes contact validation
Some of our clients even link their contact updates to payroll or HR reviews—any time someone leaves or joins, the contact list gets a second look.
Let’s Make Sure We Reach the Right Person, Every Time
Security technology is only part of the solution. Without reliable people to respond, even the best system falls short. Let’s make sure your emergency response plan works from end to end.
Take five minutes. Review your list. Send us what’s changed. Then breathe easier knowing your system is backed by more than just hardware—it’s supported by accurate, real-time human connection.
Park Security Systems helps Central Pennsylvania businesses stay protected with fast, reliable monitoring—and the right information on file. Don’t let an outdated contact list delay emergency response. Call 1-866-695-6695 or visit parksecuritysystems.com to update your emergency contacts today.
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