Missouri provides free emergency alert app to schools, enhancing safety measures
by Mik Olson, Campus ContingencyIn response to a tragic school shooting in St. Louis last year, the state of Missouri has taken a proactive step by offering a complimentary emergency alert app to school districts across the region. Over 30% of the state's school districts have already embraced this initiative, which aims to streamline emergency response by empowering teachers and school staff to instantly alert their colleagues and first responders via their smartphones.
The primary objective of this initiative is to save valuable time, potentially leading to lives being saved. Mike O'Connell, the Communications Director of the Department of Public Safety, emphasized the app's potential impact, stating, "The hope is that it never has to be used, but if it saves seconds, it could wind up saving lives."
More than 700 school buildings in Missouri will implement this app for emergencies, providing a significant upgrade to their existing communication systems. Developed by Raptor Technologies, a Texas-based company, the app offers enhanced location tracking, provides the name of the staff member generating the alert, and specifies the type of emergency, ensuring crucial information reaches the right authorities swiftly.
Previously, schools would rely on dialing 911 and providing their location, but this app streamlines the process by automatically transmitting detailed alerts to staff, administration, and local law enforcement. The app also includes a direct link to 911 services. By offering the app for free, the state aims to assist school districts that may have faced financial constraints but now have access to this vital resource.
Since the announcement, 114 districts and charter schools have already committed to implementing the system this fall, although some schools currently utilize similar apps from different providers and may opt to retain their existing solutions. Each district will have its own account, allowing them to customize the app to suit their specific needs and link it to local first responders. When an emergency arises, designated personnel can quickly select the relevant icon on the app, such as "secure," "lockdown," or "evacuate," enabling a prompt and coordinated response.
Raptor Technologies' app has already been adopted by over 11,000 schools nationwide, resulting in 80,000 emergency alerts generated since its launch six years ago. It has proven effective in various situations, from weather events and laboratory incidents to handling suspicious individuals on campus or physical altercations.
Furthermore, the app offers the ability to conduct drills and review response times, aiding schools in continuously improving their emergency preparedness. Each district can tailor the app's features, selecting the icons and options most relevant to their unique circumstances.
The largest school districts in Missouri, including Rockwood, Parkway, Wentzville, and Ferguson-Florissant in the St. Louis area, as well as Blue Springs, Independence, and St. Joseph in the Kansas City region, have already committed to using the app this upcoming school year. The Jefferson City School District, Columbia Public Schools, and several other districts across the state are also embracing this valuable safety tool.
With the state investing approximately $1 million annually for three years, districts that sign up before the deadline will be ready to use the app when schools reopen in August. Additionally, the governor's pending approval of the budget includes a $50 million school safety grant, allowing districts to upgrade their safety measures.
Raptor Technologies is actively engaging with the Joplin School District and St. Louis Public Schools to onboard them for the upcoming school year. Interested school districts can enroll in the emergency alert program through Raptor Technologies' website, and the company will provide comprehensive training within each district to ensure its effective implementation. By taking proactive steps towards bolstering school safety, Missouri is prioritizing the well-being and security of its students and staff.
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