Proposed Oklahoma Bill Would Create Panic Button Alert System for Schools
If passed, Senate Bill 267 would create a panic button alert system for Oklahoma schools.
- By Jessica Davis
- March 18, 2019
Proposed Senate Bill 267 in Oklahoma would create a panic button alert system for schools across the state.
The proposed panic button system would connect the user with emergency responders for a variety of emergency incidents. If triggered, it would also notify school administrators and the school district.
The panic button alert system would be implemented as a smartphone app, but could also be triggered by wireless and landline phone calls.
School administrators would have the option of choosing who would be able to use the panic button system. School faculty and staff would receive training on what constitutes an emergency and when to use the panic buttons, as well as how to respond to on-campus incidents. The training would help pinpoint where emergency plans could use improvement.
In addition to establishing the panic button alert system, Senate Bill 267 calls for the Oklahoma School Security Institute to provide a way for public schools to “geo-fence” their campuses to let local law enforcement know exactly where to respond in an emergency. The schools would also provide local first responders with floor plans to give them a full layout of the schools.
The bill has passed the Education committee. If fully passed, Oklahoma districts would be able to choose whether to use the system based on their available funding.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.