Alyssa’s Alert’ panic buttons, named for Parkland victim, coming to Broward Schools

The efforts of one member of the Broward County School Board to improve school safety have advanced further. Lori Alhadeff was motivated to run for a seat on the school board in order to concentrate on school safety after her daughter was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland. She has remained committed to this aim throughout her tenure.

Alhadeff presented a proposal to give physical panic buttons to all school district employees who work on a school site on Tuesday. She added, “Alyssa was my daughter who was murdered at MSD High School,” while holding up a photo of her daughter. The bill was approved by a unanimous vote. The gadget, which is designed to hang from the lanyards that staff members and teachers wear, resembles a plastic card with a button in the middle. Panic buttons authorized by the Broward School Board are used by personnel to notify students of emergencies on school. It will be known in Broward as “Alyssa’s Alert.”

First responders arrive when the wearer presses the button, regardless of the situation—a medical emergency, a dispute at school, or an active shooter. They will be able to respond more quickly because they will know the exact location on campus. I’m not familiar with every detail of what transpired in Wisconsin, but I am aware that in any of these circumstances, time is of the matter, and we must get help on the scene as quickly as possible,” she said.

Alyssa Alhadeff and sixteen other people were brutally murdered at MSD High School as a result of the help that clearly did not arrive in time. Alhadeff was also questioned about if she believes her efforts to ensure school safety have honored her daughter’s legacy. “I always wanted Alyssa to be remembered, I wanted Alyssa to never be forgotten,” Alhadeff stated after the incident. In the end, I just wish Alyssa was here so I wouldn’t have to do this, even though I know she’s watching and supporting me.

Florida and six other states have passed Alyssa’s Law, which funds the purchase of panic buttons for school staff. Using the Safer Watch app in Florida, teachers can already use a panic button on their cell phones. Starting in January, Broward County Public Schools employees will be getting the panic button lanyards, an additional layer of protection for teachers and students.