MIARAMAR, Fla. — Broward County Public Schools students are heading back to class today, marking the start of a new school year with enhanced safety measures and updated policies aimed at creating a secure and supportive learning environment.
Broward County Teachers Equipped with Wearable Panic Alarm Badges
One of the most significant changes this year is the introduction of wearable panic alarm badges for teachers and staff, reports Local10. These interactive badges, equipped with a single button, are designed to quickly alert administrators and first responders in the event of an emergency. Pressing the button three times triggers a staff alert, while pressing it eight times or more initiates a school-wide lockdown. Approximately 30,000 of these badges have been distributed across 250 school sites, providing an additional layer of security for students and staff.
Related Article: New Campus Emergency Communications Survey Highlights Advances in Mass Notification and Panic Alarm Systems
The implementation of these crisis alert badges is a direct result of Alyssa’s Law, named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the 17 victims of the tragic 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The law mandates the use of panic alarms in schools to expedite emergency response times and enhance campus safety.
Other Enhanced Safety Measures on Campus
In addition to the new panic alarm system, other safety measures remain in place. Cellphones are still banned during school hours, requiring students to keep their devices off or on airplane mode from bell to bell. Metal detectors, introduced last year, will also continue to be used to ensure a secure environment, reports WSVN.
On the nutrition front, Broward County schools are maintaining their commitment to student well-being by continuing to offer free breakfast to all students, despite funding cuts. However, families will need to complete a form to secure free or reduced-price lunches for their children.
