Fairview Park Schools Introduce New Raptor Alert System to Enhance Safety Measures
Fairview Park City Schools in Ohio have taken significant steps to prioritize safety and security within their district. With the successful implementation of a visitor management system last year, the district has now introduced the Raptor Alert system to improve emergency response procedures for teachers and staff members across all buildings.
The aim of the new system is to empower every individual employee to actively participate in maintaining the safety and security of the school buildings. By installing the Raptor Alert app on their district-owned or personal devices, teachers and staff can initiate an emergency response if they become aware of any safety or security concerns.
One of the key features of the Raptor Alert system is its ability to facilitate immediate action during critical situations. In the event of a fire or other emergencies requiring evacuation, the app can be triggered to initiate the necessary response. Moreover, in today’s climate, the system also allows for instant initiation of lockdown protocols if a potential threat is spotted entering the building. This immediate action can significantly reduce response time and ensure the safety of students and staff.
To further enhance emergency response capabilities, the Fairview Park City Schools partnered with the Fairview Park Police Department. Every patrol officer in the city is equipped with the Raptor Alert app on their phone, allowing them to receive instant notifications and initiate their response before even receiving a full call from the school. This collaboration aims to minimize response time and improve overall emergency management.
Thanks to recently awarded funds from the Ohio School Safety Grants program, the district was able to cover the $1,800 annual cost of implementing the Raptor Alert system across all three buildings. This investment demonstrates the district’s commitment to prioritizing student and staff safety.
Superintendent Keith Ahearn emphasized the importance of the Raptor Emergency Management application, which enables effective communication with first responders, accounting for the well-being of students and staff, and planning for reunification. Regular drills using the system will ensure that staff feel prepared and confident in protecting students during real emergencies.
In a recent emergency drill, the Raptor Alert system proved its efficiency. As soon as the staff received the notification, the Fairview Park police were instantaneously alerted, and a police car arrived on-site within one minute, despite it being just a practice exercise. The collaboration between the police department and the school district has been vital in ensuring the continuous improvement of school safety.
Fairview Park Police Chief Paul Shepard expressed his support for the Raptor Alert system, highlighting its benefits in providing early notification of any incidents at schools. He emphasized that such timely notifications will enable quicker response and more effective handling of any situation.
By prioritizing safety upgrades and implementing state-of-the-art technology like the Raptor Alert system, Fairview Park City Schools are proactively working towards creating a secure environment for students and staff alike. These measures not only enhance emergency response capabilities but also provide peace of mind to the entire school community, knowing that their safety is being diligently safeguarded.
