In 2019, New Jersey became the first state to sign Alyssa’s Law, requiring schools to install silent panic alarms to better equip them to handle potential security emergencies. Since then, Florida has introduced similar legislation, followed by New York most recently. It is pending in other states, and with even more expected to follow in the future, it is important for you to be aware of the benefits of this law.
Discover 4 ways that Alyssa’s Law is improving school safety:
- Requires a button that’s within reach in case of an emergency.
When your school staff members are traveling from room to room or they are out in the schoolyard, they may not be able to hear announcements over the intercom. A better, safer solution is for them to have a panic alarm with them at all times.
Alyssa’s Law empowers teachers if there’s a life-threatening situation. They can push the button that would directly link to law enforcement who can then get on the scene as quickly as possible. This “button” can range from an actual physical button to a simple app that can be pressed on a cell phone.
- Improves real-time communication with detailed information.
These panic buttons, when used with real-time communication software between school staff and first responders, saves lives. By requiring Alyssa’s Law, teachers can see alerts on their phones and respond properly such as locking or barricading classrooms. Furthermore, first responders directly receiving alerts can respond better when data such as locations are sent to them, especially when the alarms are used in conjunction with digital incident management platforms that include two-way communication. Another value is the predefining of the correct PSAP during the setup of the safety technology, ensuring that the district’s correct set of nearest first responders get the 911 notification.
- Saves precious time.
When every second counts, your school needs the most effective, reliable technology. A study of the Parkland shooting response showed that first-responder communications broke down when channels were overwhelmed. Response time is quicker when alerts are sent directly to law enforcement as a result of Alyssa’s Law. It is expected that the panic alarms will also work in case of a power outage.
- Opens the door to other safety solutions.
Your school may be required to consider silent panic alarm systems when reviewing your school safety plans, which means that this law will open the door to you considering other school safety solutions as well. Communication is the most important factor in any emergency, so you will want to do everything in your power to have access to the best possible ways for your stakeholders to communicate. Panic alarms work best with an extensive, digital safety platform that covers the full scope of safety, from prevention and preparation to response and recovery.
As schools are looking for panic alarms and digital emergency management platforms with which to coordinate them, CrisisGo is offering the perfect integrated security system complete with a companion app and our award-winning hardware IOT panic button, Safety OneClick. With the click of a button, you can trigger an emergency alert in our digital platform, Safety iResponse, automatically and directly notifying all school staff and if the situation warrants, first responders. Alyssa’s Law is here and even if it is not required in your state yet, you should still consider panic alarms and digital safety platforms, as they will make your school that much safer. 
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