In 2020 there were at least 66 reported cases of gunfire on school campuses, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. This group began tracking school gunfire incidents in 2013. Since then, the rate increased each year until last year when many Americans experienced the shift to virtual learning platforms due to the pandemic.

Many Texas schools currently offer hybrid in-person and virtual learning options, which means students and staff are in a stressful learning environment during the “new normal” that the pandemic has created. With this influx of stress, it’s important to prepare your McAllen, TX school to respond to a potential emergency before an incident arises. With gunshot detection technology, you can protect your campus if an unspeakable incident occurs.

Read on below to learn how incorporating gunshot detection systems into your existing safety protocols improves survivability rates and more.

SEE ALSO: Improve the Safety of Texas Schools with A School Security System

 

System Components

A gunshot detection system is comprised of a few different components that work together to monitor, detect, and report incidents to law enforcement. An indoor ballistic sensor analyzes energy shifts in an area to identify gunshots and differentiate them from loud sounds such as sirens and thunder. The ability to distinguish between various types of sounds lowers the chances of false alarms occurring on your campus. Outdoor energy sensors work similarly outside, along the campus grounds, and are encased in weather-ready materials. LTE networks ensure these outdoor sensors can communicate effectively with response teams.

Panic stations are wall-mounted in classrooms and hallways. When triggered by pulling down a lever, a signal is sent wirelessly through the server to emergency response teams. All of the components mentioned above can work over a wireless connection, with the only wired-in element being the gateway server.

Pair with Access Control

Advanced systems can integrate into your existing campus security system to offer an additional safety layer for faculty and students. Within seconds of a detected threat, building doors will lock to limit movement by non-law enforcement individuals. Surveillance cameras nearest the detected shooter will live stream video to the authorities so that a precise and calculated response can occur.

If you’re prepared to protect your McAllen-area students and faculty from the worst potentialities, provide them with the best campus safety response. Connect with Circle Industries using our online form to get started.