Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia is implementing a new emergency management system, created by Raptor Technologies, to strengthen its safety and security programs.
FCPS said it is rolling out the emergency management system in all school buildings to support quicker, more coordinated responses during emergencies. The system helps to improve communication between schools, FCPS staff, first responders, and law enforcement.
The system combines schoolwide sensors with a wearable Emergency Response Button (ERB) for staff, enabling educators to quickly and discreetly call for help when needed.
“When activated on FCPS property, the ERB alerts FCPS’ Security Operations Center, local emergency services, and staff at the affected school,” FCPS said in a Jan. 13 press release. “The sensors help pinpoint where within a building assistance is needed, speeding up how quickly school staff and emergency services respond to an incident.”
However, the school district noted that the ERB does not replace calling 911. Instead, it is meant to serve as an additional tool that staff can use if a phone is not immediately available to them – or if calling may not be safe.
“FCPS remains committed to maintaining safe, supportive learning environments for all students and staff,” it said in the release. “The implementation of the ERB reflects the division’s continued focus on preparedness, coordination, and the well-being of the entire school community.”
FCPS’s new emergency system is similar to others rolled out across the country, including at New York City (NYC) Public Schools. The NYC Public Schools’ Emergency Alert System includes wireless lanyards that staff members can wear to activate the emergency system during a lockdown.
