Guide to school emergency notification alerts and panic button systems

What is a school emergency alert system?

A school emergency alert system is a specially designed network of communications devices programmed to notify first responders of suspected emergencies. An effective emergency alert system will allow security teams to send fast and reliable notifications to first responders and authorities and provide students with guidance on how to respond to emergencies safely.

Emergency alert systems typically utilize multiple forms of communication to warn stakeholders of ongoing incidents, including a school text alert system, PA alerts and mobile SMS alert communications.

Mass notification systems, including school notification systems, must utilize two of the following four layers of communication to ensure stakeholders receive essential notifications:

• Indoor — Interior alarms, PA systems, broadcasts, etc.

• Outdoor — Exterior alarms, PA systems, broadcasts, etc.

• Personal — SMS alerts, mobile notifications, emails, etc.

• Public — TV broadcasting, social media alerts, etc.

An intelligently designed school alert system will ensure administrators and security teams can deliver critical safety information promptly and efficiently. To achieve this, several core features must be prioritized, including the ability to:

• Integrate with security technologies that identify threats

• Send alerts to multiple devices simultaneously

• Utilize multiple channels of communication

• Alert relevant authorities of ongoing emergencies

• Provide authorities with critical safety information

• Provide residents with clear instructions regarding safety

What are panic buttons for schools?

Panic button systems for schools are specialized communications devices that enable residents to notify first responders of emergencies immediately. When pressed, a school panic button sends an instant signal to authorities requesting an emergency response. These systems’ immediate and discrete nature allows residents to request support during various emergencies safely.

Panic buttons for schools are typically deployed in one of two variations, these include:

• Stationary - When pressed, a panic button solution for schools that’s mounted in a fixed position like a classroom wall or under a desk alerts authorities. A signal may be programmed to trigger a wider school lockdown system or school emergency notification.

• Personal - A school panic button system that can be activated from any location. These devices may take the form of a portable key fob or may be deployed as part of a mobile application to be accessed by students and staff using their smart devices.

Teams can choose to deploy these tools as a school silent panic button system, meaning alerts will be sent to authorities without activating audible alarms, or as a trigger to arm wider school security systems, alarms and devices. Bespoke installations can be created to ensure all types of emergencies are addressed appropriately, measurably improving school security responses.

The importance of school emergency notification systems

Emergency notification systems for schools are essential to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors. Security teams can ensure emergencies are always addressed quickly and effectively by developing a system in which residents can quickly alert authorities, provide first responders with actionable information regarding threats, and warn campus residents of ongoing incidents.

Recent reports reveal that almost 75% of schools utilize multiple emergency notification systems to improve incident responses, highlighting the importance of school emergency notifications in creating effective security plans. Further benefits associated with mass alert systems include:

• Bespoke responses - Systems can be programmed to enact different responses to specific threats. For example, a fire response may include the transmission of fire safety instructions, alerts sent to local firefighters and the activation of fire suppression systems.

• Personal safety - Providing students with a school duress alarm or silent panic button ensures they can request support promptly without risking escalation. Fellow students will also be notified alongside security staff to mitigate the impact of ongoing emergencies.

• Fast response times - Combining multiple alerts like SMS alert systems for school security, mobile notifications and direct communications with authorities ensures events are addressed immediately, both by trained security officials and campus residents. 

• Unique integrations — Panic buttons in schools can be connected to existing security tools to trigger instant responses, including activating alarms, securing access control doors, automatic recording for school surveillance cameras and transmitting live emergency notifications.

Use cases for school alert systems and panic buttons

School emergency notification systems and panic buttons for schools can be used to improve preparedness for a range of common emergencies. Critical situations such as severe weather events, intrusions and active threat events require fast and effective communication to ensure the safety of campus residents.

To ensure emergency notification systems for schools function properly, staff must also have systems to manage and maintain notifications. Key factors to consider include:

• Ensuring contact information for all campus community members is updated regularly

• Providing training to staff and students regarding how to use campus alert systems

• Frequently testing the school alert system and updating necessary software solutions

Active threat events

School mass notification systems can improve active threat responses by warning residents of events without alerting attackers to their position. Students and staff can alert authorities discreetly using school silent panic button systems. Additionally, residents can be warned to stay away via text alerts and clear guidance can be provided to protect those involved.

As a first line of defense, modern sensors are also an effective method of detecting potential active threat events, especially in areas where video security cameras are not permitted. Certain sensors are able to detect warning signs of active threats before the situation escalates to a critical level, immediately alerting students and staff to the presence of the danger.

Furthermore, sensors are a trustworthy way of staying one step ahead of security threats. For example, the HALO Smart Sensor possesses the unique capability to detect abnormal noise levels, aggression and spoken keywords such as ​“help” and gunshots. Easily integrable with existing lockdown systems for quick and decisive action against potential threats, the HALO Smart Sensor can also send real-time alerts of such anomalies to staff, making communication between security staff simple and reliable.

Natural disasters

Understanding how to respond to natural disasters safely can be difficult, with guidance often requiring adjustments to address specific events. Campus alert systems ensure relevant instructions are communicated to residents during emergencies, reminding students of existing emergency protocols, providing live updates and informing authorities of ongoing situations.

Chemical leaks

School campuses contain numerous potentially hazardous substances that could cause harm if they were to leak. A school emergency alert system can aid in evacuation processes and prevent the escalation of dangerous situations. Residents can be warned of the location of the leak, informed of how to mitigate exposure and receive live updates as the incident unfolds.
 

Key features of campus alert and emergency notification systems

When designing and implementing campus alert systems and panic button solutions, security teams must understand the key features of an effective emergency response system, including:

• Speed — Alerts must be sent in real-time across multiple communication channels

• Ease-of-use — Triggering systems and receiving alerts must be simple and accessible

• Flexibility — Tools must be customizable to create unique responses to various events

• Integrations — Effective systems integrate with existing security tools like school door locks

• Visibility — Look for features like attendance check-ins, activity logs and mobile access

Final thoughts on school panic buttons and alert systems

Panic buttons and school emergency notification systems are essential components of an effective campus physical security system, ensuring incidents are handled promptly and appropriately. Developing systems that notify authorities instantly, offer residents guidance and activate wider security technology tools will improve incident responses, protecting students from potential threats. If your school is considering implementing a school emergency notification or panic button system, consider applying for school safety grant funding to help bring this technology to your campus.