Seconds matter. That’s why we added a physical, building‑wide panic button at Grand Rapids Tech - wired into our UniFi ecosystem for immediate action.
This wasn’t hypothetical. After an armed gunman appeared on our workplace property, we realized not everyone on staff could (or should have to) fumble with a phone or computer in a crisis. We needed one touch that anyone could use—just like a fire alarm pull.
What the Button Does (Right Now)
- Locks down doors through UniFi Access
- Alerts the entire office via UniFi Protect speakers
- Notifies designated responders instantly. No apps. No logins. No delay.
How We Built It
- Custom Alarm Manager → the rules engine that orchestrates lockdown and alerts
- Momentary switch → tied to an 8‑Door Hub (registered as a doorbell input)
- UniFi Protect + Access → one controller, zero cross‑vendor lag
Why UniFi? Integration. Cameras, access control, sensors, and alerts live together, so the system reacts fast and in sync.
Placement Matters
We chose a location that:
- Every staff member can reach quickly
- Sits closest to the people most likely to identify a threat first
- Stays visible but not obvious to a bad actor
- Works under stress (clear sightline, natural movement path)
More Than a Button
The panic button is one layer. We can help organizations design:
- Lockdown procedures and drills
- Access control and restricted‑room logic
- Camera coverage and alerting
- Multi‑layered emergency response plans
Locking down matters because it keeps external threats out and sensitive areas sealed—buying precious time for people to move to safety and responders to act.
See It Work
We recorded the install and a live test of the Custom Alarm Manager in action.
Ready to Tighten Your Response Time?
If your plan depends on the right person having the right app at the right moment, it’s not enough.
Let us review your setup to make sure a real‑world incident gets a real‑time response.
Call or message Grand Rapids Tech to schedule a safety review.