New technology keeping your kids safe in Lee County schools

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Each teacher and staff member will wear a badge, and when they click it, it automatically triggers an alarm, which sets off a series of announcements and computer screen messages that let staff know the exact location of the emergency. A teacher will even have the ability to send an alert directly to law enforcement. (Credit: WINK News)

New technology inside Lee County’s public schools this year will help keep your kids safe with the push of a button.

The District has installed panic alarms in all schools. The purpose? Faster response times in the case of an emergency.

Each teacher and staff member will wear a badge, and when they click it, it automatically triggers an alarm, which sets off a series of announcements and computer screen messages that let staff know the exact location of the emergency. A teacher will even have the ability to send an alert directly to law enforcement.

“They notify our communication center so our dispatchers can immediately receive it and disseminate it like they would any other emergency call,” said Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore.

With more than 1,800 students expected to walk the halls of Cape Coral High School, the technology couldn’t come at a better time.

“It comes down to seconds sometimes when you’re dealing with a medical situation or school safety,” said Cape High Principal Chris Engelhart.

“I think it’s an easier opportunity for us to get in contact with the people that we need to instead of having to call or email,” said AJ Gurgal, a Cape High teacher.

It brings comfort to Adina Bridges, who will be sending her child off to fifth grade next week at Hancock Creek Elementary School.

“I think it’s really fantastic that there’s going to be other means to get help faster because that’s always one of the fears that we see,” she said.

The alarm system works without the need for a cellular connection, Wi-Fi or GPS. The cost to install the system in all Lee County schools was $3.8 million.

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