In recent years, school safety has become an increasingly important and emotional topic. For many parents, the idea that their children could be at risk while attending school is a nightmare they hope will never come true. Unfortunately, tragedy is not always preventable. This reality has driven many states to enact Alyssa’s Law, legislation aimed at improving school security measures nationwide. This article explores what Alyssa’s Law means for schools, parents, and legislators, and what lies ahead as more states adopt it.

Understanding Alyssa’s Law

Alyssa’s Law is crucial legislation designed to enhance the safety of students in U.S. schools. Introduced in New Jersey in 2019 and Florida in 2020, this law mandates that all public schools be equipped with silent panic alarms that directly notify law enforcement in the event of a school-based emergency. Named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Parkland, Florida, the law aims to enable school authorities to take proactive measures that can potentially save lives during emergencies, especially mass shootings. Alyssa’s Law has gained significant traction across the country, with the goal of improving emergency response protocols in schools.

Progress of Alyssa’s Law

In recent years, significant progress has been made in passing Alyssa’s Law in various states. Utah and Oklahoma are the latest to enact Alyssa’s Law to enhance student safety.

“As the father of young kids, I know how important it is to drop them off at school and know they will be safe,” said Governor Stitt of Oklahoma. “School safety is a top priority of mine and this legislation will help schools better coordinate with law enforcement to ensure real-time communication when it matters most.”

While there is still work to be done, the movement towards passing Alyssa’s Law in these states is a step in the right direction. With more states following suit, Alyssa’s Law is on track to becoming key legislation for improving school safety.

How Citizens Can Help Advocate for Alyssa’s Law

Alyssa’s Law is vital legislation that can save lives, but not everyone is aware of its importance. Citizens can play a crucial role in advocating for and spreading awareness about this law to ensure its implementation in every school across the country. Here’s how:

Locate the contact details for the Board of Education and administrative staff for your school.

Begin by determining the primary points of contact for your district. Some districts promote direct communication with administrators and board members, while others may have community relations or press officers to assist with contact.

Visit your district’s website or utilize resources such as the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/) to access information on how to reach the appropriate individuals within your district.

Reach out to your elected representatives to emphasize the critical importance of prioritizing student safety.

Influencing school safety standards extends beyond federal legislation; state and local politicians wield substantial influence in shaping policies that can mitigate the risk of tragedies on school campuses. To ensure these leaders make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents, it’s crucial for them to receive input.

You can find the names and contact details of your federal, state, and local officials here. Once identified, you have various effective methods to communicate your concerns and ideas with them.

Speak About School Safety Solutions at a School Board meeting.

Public schools operate within constrained budgets, and when it comes to safety planning, strategic allocation of available funds is crucial. The School Board plays a pivotal role in deciding how budgets are distributed and which solutions are deemed eligible for procurement.

If you feel that your School Board is not prioritizing the right school safety measures, you can research the date of their upcoming meeting and register to address the board. Be ready to propose specific solutions you’d like to see put into action.

The National Parent Teacher Association has developed resources aimed at assisting parents, teachers, and local associations in addressing school safety concerns within their districts. These resources are available on the National PTA’s website. Among them is the “Safe and Supportive Schools: 20 Questions Every Parent Should Ask” document. This resource provides twenty questions that parents can pose to administrators, teachers, board members, or anyone else interested in school safety.

By coming together and speaking up, we can make our schools safer for everyone.

SaferWatch and Alyssa’s Law

The SaferWatch Mobile App is the nation’s premier Mobile Panic Alert System that directly integrates with law enforcement to meet the requirements of Alyssa’s Law.

Digital Panic Button:

Allows users to report emergencies via a digital panic button directly from the app. An alert is sent to a pre-designated list of first responders, emergency contacts, and administrators when the silent panic button is engaged.

Real-Time GPS Coordinates:

Provides emergency dispatch services with the user’s location and GPS coordinates.

Two-Way Communication & Live Video:

Enables communication between emergency responders and users via a two-way message system, including live video streaming.

Life-Saving Video Surveillance:

Connects law enforcement and first responders with real-time surveillance of school property through the school’s camera system.

Mass Notifications & Emergency Alerts:

Allows for mass notifications to inform the public, prevent entry into the threat area, encourage evacuation, inform families, and assist during evacuations.

With the potential benefits Alyssa’s Law offers for school safety, it is clear that this legislation should be a priority for concerned citizens across America. Many state legislators have already begun the process to pass this important bill in their respective states. We must all support Alyssa’s Law and spread awareness to make a real change. With everyone’s help, we can create safer schools and communities for generations to come.

Contact SaferWatch today to learn more about our premier mobile panic alarm solution and how you can advocate for your school.