A panic alarm system implemented at Apalachee High School in Georgia likely saved many lives during a deadly shooting. The system, which includes alert warnings on classroom screens, panic buttons for teachers, and automatic alerts to law enforcement, helped in ending the shooting rampage within minutes. One teacher described following emergency procedure and preparing to defend himself with scissors in his pocket. The panic alarm system, powered by Centegix, was activated for the first time during the incident. The company advocates for Alyssa’s Law, named after a victim of the 2018 Parkland shooting, which requires silent panic alarms linked to law enforcement in schools.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, with others wounded. The suspect, Colt Gray, was new to the school district and had allegedly made online threats in the past. He has been charged with four counts of felony murder. The quick response from law enforcement was attributed to the Centegix system alerting authorities immediately. The system provides precise location details and real-time communication during emergencies.
Lori Alhadeff, the mother of a victim in the Parkland shooting, has been advocating for Alyssa’s Law, which has been passed in several states. She believes that reducing response time with panic buttons can save lives in such tragic situations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness in schools, as well as the need for quick and effective responses to mitigate casualties in such events.
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