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Out of Tragedy, New Approaches to Emergency Communications

Ann Flynn

K20Connect Senior Consultant


New laws and new solutions sometimes emerge from the most tragic events. District administrators, tech staff, communication and operation directors  are invited to share insights through a brief survey to guide the development of a wearable product to help districts meet the requirements outlined in some of the newest laws making their way across the nation. Alyssa’s Law is a piece of legislation crafted to improve the response time of first responders during public school emergencies.  Alyssa’s mother, Lori Alhadeff, channeled her grief into advocating for the passage of this law to honor her daughter, Alyssa Alhadeff, who was among the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018 because she believes seconds matter in a crisis.


Although the federal government offers districts guidance on how to create comprehensive emergency operation plans, Alyssa’s Law is more narrowly focused on communication at the time of a crisis. Many post-incident reports have identified that critical breakdowns in communication systems have resulted in delays and confusion by first-responders. New Jersey first passed Alyssa’s Law in 2019, with an additional six states enacting their own version of the legislation that school authorities can implement to take proactive measures that can potentially save lives.

Specific legislative details vary by state, but most Alyssa’s Laws share the following three elements:


Silent Panic Alarm Systems  

The most consistent element is the requirement for schools to install silent panic alarms or alert systems. These alarms allow school personnel to discreetly notify law enforcement of an emergency, such as an active shooter situation, without alerting the potential perpetrator. 


Integration with Law Enforcement

Another common requirement is panic alarms directly linked to local law enforcement agencies. The alarms trigger an automatic alert to police and emergency responders, ensuring immediate action is taken when a threat is identified. 


Implementation Timeline and Funding Provisions

Many states have established specific deadlines for schools to comply with the law, often with provisions for funding or grants to assist schools in meeting the requirements. 

In addition to meeting the expectations established by Alyssa’s Law, it’s important to develop a robust internal communication plan. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a security threat, or a medical emergency, that plan can help manage the situation and prevent panic. 

  • Identify multiple channels that can be used in a moment of crisis.

  • Train and execute emergency communication scenarios to ensure all staff are familiar with the established protocols. 

Alyssa’s Law is making a real difference in the safety and security at America’s schools and even if it has not yet been passed in your state, the guidance is worth serious consideration. 


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