As school safety becomes a growing concern for students, parents and staff, it’s easy to wonder what could be improved to protect campuses in Rio Grande City, TX. Fortunately, school security is becoming increasingly sophisticated. For example, mass notification systems now offer a multitude of features that are making our school communities safer in the face of violence. 

At Circle Industries, our team of technology integrators can help you take a proactive approach to school security, installing and integrating the systems you need to keep everyone safe. 

Read on to learn how mass notifications will protect your school community during and after an emergency situation. 

SEE ALSO: Is a K12 Mass Notification System Right for Your School?

During an Emergency

A comprehensive, school-wide security system has plenty of moving parts. Some, like smart alarms and gunshot-detection sensors, are placed strategically through school property, allowing for monitoring stations and law enforcement agencies to respond quickly when needed. However, it remains a possibility that a weapon may get past security. What school administrators do under such circumstances can save lives. 

With an automated, integrated security system, smart door locks and other door hardware will kick into action as soon as a sensor detects a threat. Meanwhile, surveillance cameras with self-learning smart analytics and other next-generation features will keep an eye on every intruder, following them across school. 

For the duration of a crisis, notifications will be sent out to everyone in school, informing them on how best to stay out of harm’s way. Usually these are sent through the school’s intercom system with guidance on how to best evacuate or lock down as needed. Two-way video intercom devices in every classroom are also ideal, allowing for students and their teachers to communicate with law enforcement and first responders. 

The Aftermath

Whether it is an active shooting situation or natural emergency, the anxiety that follows such events can be somewhat minimized by expediting the reunification process. Following a crisis, a multi-layered alert can be sent out to students, teachers, and parents, instructing each group on where to go and how to proceed. These alerts can be sent through the school’s intercom system, via text messages, or push notifications. 

Finally, by marking themselves as “safe,” students and staff communicate important data to school administrators and law enforcement agencies, making sure everyone is accounted for. 

At Circle Industries, we can help you better protect school communities with comprehensive security solutions. To learn about our services or to schedule an audit of your property, fill out our contact form or give us a call.