Schools across Florida are starting to integrate a new “Alyssa’s Alert” system intending to expedite law enforcement communication during in-school emergencies. This system is set to be implemented at Broward schools this month.
This pivotal system is based on the tragic Parkland School Shooting in 2018, with the idea of ensuring that during the improbable but possible emergencies within schools, silent alarms can be activated to decrease response times from first responders.
The ‘Alyssa Alert’ is based on the ‘Alyssa’s Law’ initiative. Alyssa Aldaheff was a 14-year old student attending Marjory Stoneman Douglass during the devastating shooting. Alyssa became a victim of the shooting, losing her life and becoming a product of the firearm epidemic occurring within the United States.
Alyssa’s mother, Lori Aldahef, founded a non profit organization known as ‘Make Our Schools Safe’ aiming to strengthen school-first responders communication rather than challenging the 2nd amendment.
Schools across the country have begun to equip their classrooms with silent panic alarms connected to their local law enforcement. Over the past five years, seven states have passed ‘Alyssa’s Law’ with Oklahoma and Utah being the latest to establish the system halfway through 2024. Elementary schools and secondary schools across Florida, such as Pembroke Pines Charter, began abiding by Alyssa’s Law in 2020.
“Since the Parkland shooting, I’ve always had an underlying sense of safety concern while at school. Nevertheless, the implementation of the silent panic alarms have made me so much more comfortable with my safety while at school. I don’t have to constantly worry anymore about protection,” expressed sophomore Isabella Pazos.
The silent panic alarms are designed to minimize confusion and ensure swift action in the event of a threat. The system’s direct connection to local law enforcement will bypass the delays often caused by traditional communication channels. Schools can also customize the alert system for other emergencies such as medical crises and intruders, creating a powerful tool for schools to use.
With the intensely rising number of school shootings occurring in the past five years, almost a dozen other states currently are discussing and pending ‘Alyssa’s Law.’ Advocates emphasize the importance of immediate communication during emergencies. Alyssa’s mother, Lori Alhadeff stated “every second matters during a crisis.”
The alert system is able to ensure that law enforcement can respond as quickly as possible to protect students and staff. “Students and faculty cannot control the probability of emergencies occurring, but they can control how they handle the situations to an extent,” expressed PPCHS sophomore Adrian Gurigay. This system will involve life-changing seconds that wouldn’t be possible without the help of Alyssa’s Law.”
As more states consider adopting Alyssa’s Law, the initiative stands as a reminder of the ongoing need for school safety measures and the importance of honoring those lost by creating change.
