Last June 2020, Alyssa’s Law was officially signed into Florida law mandating silent panic alarms and electronic links between schools and first responders. The provisions have been enforced at the start of 2021-2022 school year and reads as follows –
EMERGENCY DRILLS; EMERGENCY PROCEDURES – Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, each public elementary, middle, and high school campus, including charter schools, must be equipped with a panic alert system for use in a life-threatening emergency, including active assailant situations, that can be activated anywhere on campus. Upon activation, the panic alert system, which shall be referred to as “Alyssa’s Alert,” must immediately transmit a signal or message to a public safety answering point, as defined in s. 32 365.172(3). The panic alert system shall allow communication between the individual initiating the alert and the public safety answering point.
Alyssa’s Law was named after 14 year old Alyssa Alhadeff who lost her life in the Stoneman Douglas School shooting. Investigation of the tragedy found that delayed response was contributing factor in the tragic loss of life. Alyssa’s Law requires that all public elementary and secondary schools to install silent panic alarms or alternative emergency solutions approved by The Department of Education.
Reducing the “Vulnerability Gap”
Integrating a mobile alert system with physical panic alarms reduces the “vulnerability gap” – that critical span of time when the call for help was sent and the arrival of first responders on the scene. Every second counts in code-red events such as active shooter, building fire emergencies. And the longer it takes for help to arrive, the more vulnerable schools become.
Alyssa’s Law mandate works to reduce the vulnerability gap by facilitating rapid and direct communications between school administrators, emergency managers, law enforcement and first responders.
Examples of Emergency Alert Systems Covered in Alyssa’s Law
- Smart phone and computer applications
- Personal carry wireless activation devices
- One or more wireless panic button stations
- One or more wired panic button station(s), with optional supplemental wireless stations and devices;
- Integrated security system that includes wired panic alarms and personal carry wireless activation devices
- Smartphone and computer applications, access control, lockdown notification, security video, etc.
Compliance Requirements
Compliance may include one or a combination of systems. A district may also equip a school building with an alternative emergency mechanism if approved by the Department of Education as meeting Alyssa’s Law requirements.
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Connects multiple emergency services and technologies
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Enables real-time coordination between school personnel and multiple first-responders agencies
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Integrates with local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) infrastructure for 911 calls and mobile alerts
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Alerts the appropriate PSAP jurisdiction of the device location
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Allows customization for each district, and charter school governing board in order to adhere to its local emergency codes, naming conventions, messaging protocols, user management and access permissions.
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Delivers real-time activation of 911 systems
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Provides critical emergency information details such as device locations, maps, evacuation routes, etc.
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Complies with the county’s text-to-911 service implementation plans as required by Florida Statutes
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Supports admin access for districts to designate and manage user permissions for notification of an emergency event activation, including users at public safety agencies
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Provides 24/7 tech support to state and local administrators as well as round-the-clock reliability/availability
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Delivers regular system updates including integration of 911 center updates when applicable
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Connects to both Wi-Fi and cellular
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Compliant with all applicable privacy protection and information security state and federal laws
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Notifies 911 centers as well as state and local administrators prior to executing system tests
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Addresses system bugs and applies fixes in a reasonable timeframe
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Protects and maintains the security of data according to Florida’s Cyber Security Standards to include maintaining secure environments that are patched and up to date with all appropriate security updates as designated by a relevant authority
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Complies with regulations with regard to storing personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), financial or other sensitive data
How Havrion ALERT Complies with Alyssa’s Law
HAVRION Alert isn’t just a standalone panic button app; it’s a fully integrated emergency notification system that supports Alyssa’s Law in more ways than one.
Communicates to First Responders Directly
Havrion ALERT can be enabled through physical or digital panic buttons with a direct connection to first responders, making it faster and easier to call for help.
Ensures Rapid Communications
HAVRION Alert connects with HAVRION’s complete emergency management system, closing the vulnerability gap to get people to safety, and ensuring 911 is notified within seconds after an alert is activated.
Enables Multi-Channel Emergency Coordination
HAVRION Alert works to ensure internal and external communications in any emergency event through innovative activation methods, providing immediate communications and ensuring the preservation of human life.
Integrates with Multiple Applications
Alert solutions can also be added into HAVRION’s large safety solution when building out a plan of action, including PROTECT (Automated Sensors) and CONNECT (Digital Display Communications); all creating a Smart environment that protects those most vulnerable.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure that any emergency alert system provider you select adequately complies with the requirements of Alyssa’s Law. It is critical to avoid sub-par solutions and the potential risks and damage that come with them. Learn more about Havrion ALERT and how it fully complies with Alyssa’s Law by scheduling a virtual demo today.
