Ensuring Safety and Compliance with E911 Deployment in Microsoft Teams

Kari's Law and the Ray Baum Act:

Kari's Law and the Ray Baum Act are two federal laws that were enacted in 2018 to improve the ability of people to call 911 from multi-line telephone systems (MLTS). MLTS are commonly used in businesses, hotels, and other large facilities. Prior to these laws, it could be difficult to call 911 from an MLTS, because the systems often required callers to dial a prefix or code before dialing 911. This could be a problem in an emergency, when seconds count.

Kari's Law, The law is named in honor of Kari Hunt, who was killed in a motel room by her estranged husband in 2013. This went into effect on February 16, 2020. It requires MLTS to be configured so that callers can dial 911 directly, without having to dial a prefix or code. The law also requires MLTS to notify a central location (such as the front desk or security office) when a 911 call is made. This notification can help to ensure that someone is aware of the emergency and can take steps to assist the caller, such as opening a door or gate for emergency responders.

The Ray Baum Act went into effect on October 1, 2020. It requires MLTS to provide accurate location information to 911 call centers. This information can help emergency responders to quickly and accurately locate the caller, which can be critical in an emergency.

Both Kari's Law and the Ray Baum Act are enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC can impose fines on businesses and organizations that do not comply with the laws. Violators of the laws can be fined up to $10,000 per violation. In addition this can open up a company to possible liability damages, Kari Hunt Dunn's family sued the hotel and ownership group and won a settlement of more than $40 million.

These laws are an important step in ensuring that everyone can easily call 911 in an emergency. They can help to save lives and improve public safety.

The Importance of E911 Deployment in Microsoft Teams:

E911 deployment in Microsoft Teams plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of your employees, whether they are working in the office or remotely. By integrating emergency response capabilities directly into the collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams becomes a comprehensive communication solution that can handle critical situations effectively. With E911 deployment, your organization can ensure:

1. Quick and Accurate Emergency Response:
   In the event of an emergency, every second counts. E911 integration enables employees to connect with emergency services directly from within the Microsoft Teams interface. This immediate access expedites the response time, potentially saving lives and reducing the impact of critical situations.
2. Enhanced Employee Safety:
   Whether employees are working from home, traveling, or in the office, E911 deployment in Microsoft Teams ensures that they can receive timely assistance in emergency scenarios. It allows emergency responders to pinpoint the exact location of the caller, enabling them to provide the necessary support quickly and efficiently.
3. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
   Compliance with federal laws, such as the Ray Baum Act and Kari's Law, is essential for organizations. These laws mandate that businesses have the capability to call emergency services and provide accurate location information from any device within their network. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties and potential legal repercussions.

How can KiZAN Help?

KiZAN Technologies, a trusted technology solutions provider, offers expertise and services specifically tailored to help organizations deploy E911 in Microsoft Teams and ensure safety and compliance. Here's how KiZAN can assist your organization:

1. Comprehensive 911 Design Session:
   KiZAN will conduct a detailed workshop covering all aspects of E911 deployment in Microsoft Teams, focusing on the requirements set forth by the Ray Baum Act and Kari's Law. The design session will cover topics such as how 911 works with Teams, emergency policies, location information utilization, remote worker considerations, and the need for 3rd party E911 providers.
2. Network Configuration Review:
   KiZAN's team of experts will thoroughly review your network configuration to ensure accuracy and optimize it for emergency services. This step ensures that your organization's locations and naming conventions align with industry best practices, minimizing potential delays in emergency response.
3. Dynamic E911 Policy Assignments Review:
   To guarantee compliance with Kari's Law and the Ray Baum Act, KiZAN will review your dynamic E911 policy assignments and notification processes. This assessment ensures that your organization has the necessary policies and procedures in place to handle emergency situations promptly and in accordance with legal requirements.
4. Documentation and Training:
   KiZAN will provide comprehensive documentation tailored to your organization's specific E911 deployment in Microsoft Teams. This documentation will serve as a valuable resource for training employees on emergency response procedures, as well as for ongoing reference and continuous improvement.
5. Customized Statement of Work (SOW):
   At the conclusion of the engagement, KiZAN will provide you with a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) outlining the specific deployment plan for E911 processes and requirements discussed throughout the engagement. This SOW will ensure a seamless and successful implementation.

In Conclusion

The safety and compliance of your employees are top priorities for your organization. By deploying E911 in Microsoft Teams, you can ensure quick and accurate emergency response, enhance employee safety, and meet regulatory requirements. With KiZAN Technologies as your trusted partner, achieving these goals becomes easier than ever.

Take the first step towards ensuring safety and compliance by contacting us today. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process of deploying E911 in Microsoft Teams, conducting a network configuration review, reviewing dynamic E911 policy assignments, and providing comprehensive documentation and training.