Crisis Alert Badges Credited in Recent School Shooting

In a recent school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, the quick response of law enforcement was credited to the use of Centegix Crisis Alert badges. These wearable ID badges, which staff had been using for only about a week, allow teachers to send emergency alerts to school officials and law enforcement with just a few button presses. The system can trigger general alerts for situations like medical emergencies or a full-scale lockdown during critical events like active shootings. On the day of the shooting, staff used these badges to notify authorities swiftly, leading to a rapid police response.

Centegix, an Atlanta-based company, provides this technology to approximately 60% of schools across Georgia. The system is also widely used in other states, such as Florida, where it's part of the Alyssa's Law initiative. This law mandates silent emergency alerts in schools to improve security. Each Centegix badge costs schools around $8,000 per year, covering software and equipment.

The Centegix system includes two types of alerts: one for general concerns like medical issues and another for emergencies that immediately triggers flashing lights and a campus-wide lockdown message. This dual-alert feature has been instrumental in managing emergencies without overwhelming school systems, as most alerts are for less severe incidents.

While most of the alerts triggered nationwide are related to minor student behavior or medical situations, the effectiveness of the system in life-threatening events like this shooting underscores its importance. The quick lockdown and notification helped prevent further tragedy, though unfortunately, two students and two teachers lost their lives, with nine others injured but expected to recover.

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