Situational Awareness – Active Defender

4 Hidden Gaps in School Safety Protocols: How Active Defender Bridges Them

Avery McKenzie — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:39:57 +0000

In the 2022-2023 school year, gun-related incidents made up nearly 50% of violent events in schools, with 55 shootings reported on school campuses during or after school hours—an increase of 139% compared to 2018-2019.

School safety is a critical concern for educators, parents, and communities. While schools have implemented many protocols to protect students, hidden gaps in existing safety measures still leave them vulnerable to various threats. Active Defender offers a comprehensive solution that bridges these gaps, providing schools with the tools to ensure a safer environment for everyone.

The Current State of School Safety

Schools have made great strides in implementing safety protocols such as lockdown drills, emergency evacuation plans, and secure entry systems. However, as threats to school safety continue to evolve, many of these measures still need to address modern challenges.

The rise in cyber threats, physical violence, and mental health crises has outpaced many schools’ ability to respond effectively. The traditional protocols in place often cannot communicate, adapt, and provide real-time responses to these evolving threats.

The Hidden Gaps in School Safety Protocols

1. Communication Delays

During an emergency, every second counts, yet communication breakdowns often occur, whether due to technological issues, human error, or situational confusion. Traditional safety protocols depend on manual alerts, walkie-talkies, group messages, etc., which can delay critical information reaching the right people. This delay increases response time and leaves staff and students vulnerable to escalating threats.

Active Defender’s Instant Communication and Real-Time Alerts

Active Defender provides an enhanced communication platform that allows staff, security personnel, and first responders to stay connected in real-time. With instant alerts to smartphones, desktops, or classroom equipment and seamless communication across the entire school, information is relayed quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a lockdown situation, a medical emergency, or a suspicious person on campus, Active Defender ensures that the right people are informed within seconds of the threat emerging.

2. Limited Situational Awareness

In many emergencies, staff and first responders struggle to understand the severity of the emergency because of fragmented information. They may not know the threat’s exact location or how the situation is evolving in real-time. This lack of situational awareness creates confusion and can lead to inefficient or misguided responses, potentially putting more people in danger.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity

Active Defender offers real-time data sharing, location tracking, and ongoing threat updates. Staff can view a custom dynamic map of their campus, including where the threat is located and progressing. This real-time situational awareness enables quicker, more informed decision-making, allowing for faster neutralization of threats and reducing confusion.

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3. Inadequate Technology Integration

Many schools rely on a patchwork of safety technologies that do not communicate with one another. For example, surveillance cameras, alarms, and communication systems may all operate independently, requiring staff to switch between systems manually during a crisis. This fragmentation can slow down response times and leave critical gaps in safety.

Active Defender’s Integrated Technology Solutions

Active Defender integrates with existing systems such as door locks, cameras, and panic buttons, providing comprehensive security coverage. It enhances situational awareness for first responders, alerts local authorities with detailed information, and reduces response times.

4. Overlooking Mental Health Crises

While much attention is given to physical threats, many safety protocols do not adequately address the growing issue of mental health crises in schools. Early signs of emotional distress or behavioral issues are often missed, leading to situations that could escalate into threats to school safety.

Active Defender’s Student Behavioral Analysis Reporting Feature

The Student Behavior Analysis Reporting feature allows school administrators, staff, and teachers to identify and streamline the process of analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes.

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Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

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4 Things to Look For When Choosing a School Safety Platform

Avery McKenzie — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:27:03 +0000

The multitude of options when selecting a school safety platform can be overwhelming. Whether exploring ways to integrate with your existing infrastructure or searching for entirely new solutions, it’s crucial to understand what factors to consider when choosing.

Comprehensive Safety Features

The first aspect to consider when choosing a school safety platform is whether it offers comprehensive safety features. Here are some key examples:

Emergency Communication: Ensure the platform provides multiple communication channels (SMS, email, push notifications) for sending emergency alerts.
Incident Reporting: Look for features that allow anonymous reporting of bullying, threats, or other concerns.
Crisis Management: Evaluate tools for managing and documenting crisis responses, including checklists, plans, and resource management.
Real-time Monitoring: Check for real-time monitoring capabilities, such as live custom dynamic mapping, which allows you to see the location where an emergency was reported.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity enables staff to send and receive critical alerts on any device across the campus, similar to Presidential or Amber Alerts. It provides a custom live map with multi-level floor plans, allowing quick emergency reporting from anywhere. In life-threatening situations, staff can instantly update their status from “Green” (I Am Okay) to “Red” (Need Help), aiding first responders and reducing response times.

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Customization

The second consideration is whether the school safety platform allows for scalability and customization. Since every school or district has unique needs, choosing a platform that can accommodate these differences and adapt accordingly is essential.

Customization: The platform should offer customization options to fit the specific needs and protocols of the school or district.
Scalability: Ensure the platform can grow with the school or district and adapt to evolving safety requirements.

Integration Capabilities

The third consideration when choosing a school safety platform is its integration capabilities. Can the platform integrate with;

Existing Systems: Ensure the platform can integrate seamlessly with the school’s existing systems (e.g., security systems and communication tools).
Interoperability: Look for compatibility with local law enforcement, emergency services, and other relevant agencies.

Active Defender’s Integration Capabilities

Implementation Support

The fourth and final consideration is the support for implementing and maintaining the school safety platform.

Implementation Support: Assess the level of support provided for initial setup and deployment.
Timeframe: Consider the time required to implement the platform and any potential disruption to school activities.
Customer Support: Inquire about customer service after implementation. Will you receive a Point of Contact (POC) throughout your contract? What is the response time of the helpline?

Active Defender’s 24/7 Customer Support

At Active Defender, every customer is assigned a POC who walks them through the implementation process and stays by their side throughout their contract to answer any questions or concerns and notify them of new feature updates.

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

4 Tips on Understanding Swatting Hoaxes and How To Prevent Them

Avery McKenzie — Thu, 23 May 2024 13:48:51 +0000

Swatting is the intentional and harmful act of falsely reporting a crime or emergency to provoke an aggressive response, often from a SWAT team, by law enforcement. The perpetrator aims to harass and intimidate the target by causing police or emergency personnel to respond forcefully to their home, k-12 schools, or other locations. This act can scare or harm the individuals or groups involved.

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, in 2024, there have been 120 swatting incidents at K-12 schools as of May 22nd, 2024. An example of a K-12 swatting incident is the day after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland Shooting); a Florida police officer shot himself in the leg inside a school while responding to a false shooting report.

With the potential threat of a swatting hoax looming over K-12 schools, teachers and administrators need to be equipped with the necessary tools to handle the situation cautiously and rationally. We have compiled four tips for teachers and school administrators to understand and handle such situations effectively.

Establish Clear Protocols

Developing comprehensive protocols and procedures for responding to threats and swatting hoaxes is essential for maintaining school safety and preparedness. Creating detailed, well-structured guidelines covering every threat assessment and response aspect is critical. These protocols should outline specific steps in various scenarios, ensuring that every potential threat is managed efficiently and effectively.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that all staff members are thoroughly trained in these protocols. This training should cover the procedures and reasoning behind them so that staff can act confidently and competently during an emergency. Regular drills and refresher courses help maintain a high level of preparedness among the entire school staff.

Swatting Incident Protocol Example

Immediate Response

1. Initial Notification:

Receive the Threat: The individual who receives the threat should immediately notify the principal or designated crisis response coordinator.
Activate Crisis Team: The principal activates the school’s crisis response team, which can include critical administrative staff, security personnel, and a communication officer.

2. Assess Credibility:

Gather Information: Collect all available details about the threat, including its source, time, and nature.
Evaluate Threat: The crisis team assesses the threat’s credibility using a predefined checklist that considers factors such as specificity, immediacy, and prior history of threats.

3. Contact Law Enforcement:

Notify Authorities: Immediately inform local law enforcement, providing all relevant information about the threat.
Follow Instructions: Follow law enforcement’s instructions, including potential evacuation or lockdown procedures.

Internal Communication

1. Alert Staff:

Inform Faculty and Staff: Use the school’s internal communication system to inform all faculty and staff of the situation. Provide clear instructions on the immediate actions they need to take (e.g., lockdown, shelter-in-place).
Code Phrases: Utilize code phrases if necessary to maintain calm and ensure students are unaware of the specifics of the threat.

2. Student Safety:

Implement Safety Measures: Teachers follow lockdown or evacuation procedures, ensuring all students are accounted for and safe.
Maintain Calm: Staff should reassure students and maintain a calm environment while following the protocol.

External Communication

1. Inform Parents and Guardians:

Immediate Notification: Use automated messaging systems (phone calls, texts, emails) to inform parents and guardians of the situation and provide reassurances about the steps to ensure student safety.
Regular Updates: Commit to providing regular updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available.

2. Media Management:

Designate a Spokesperson: The communication officer or principal acts as the spokesperson, providing consistent and accurate information to the media.
Prepare Statements: Prepare statements that can be adapted to the specific details of the incident to ensure accurate communication and avoid speculation.

Resolution and Debriefing

1. All-Clear Signal:

Law Enforcement Clearance: Await confirmation from law enforcement that the threat has been neutralized and it is safe to resume normal activities.
Communicate All-Clear: Inform all staff, students, and parents that the situation has been resolved and provide instructions for resuming normal operations.

2. Debriefing:

Staff Debrief: Conduct a meeting with all staff members to review the incident, discuss what happened, and evaluate the effectiveness of the response.
Student Support: Provide opportunities for students to talk about the incident and offer counseling services as needed to address any trauma or anxiety.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity

With Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity, staff can receive alerts on any device, anywhere on campus, with notifications beyond text or chat messages. Crisis Clarity activates phones with critical entitlements similar to Presidential or Amber Alerts.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity also offers a custom, live map of the campus with multi-level floor plans, enabling staff to report emergencies or events and their exact locations quickly. This feature ensures instant situational awareness for informed decision-making.

Each staff member is represented as a “dot” on the map, which can be toggled from “Green” (I Am Okay) to “Red” (Need Help) in the event of a life-threatening injury, providing first responders with immediate prioritization. Book an interactive demo today to experience Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity first-hand!

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Foster Open Communication

Encourage students and staff to report suspicious activity or threats while emphasizing the importance of responsible reporting. Establish multiple channels for reporting concerns, such as anonymous tip lines or trusted staff members.

Active Defender’s Two-Way Communication

Active Defender’s chat platform facilitates direct, two-way communication among administrators, staff, and emergency responders. It includes AI chat features, allowing users to instantly report crucial details with a single tap. Learn more about Active Defender’s capabilities and how we can enhance your school’s security.

Prioritize Threat Assessment

Implement a threat assessment team comprising school administrators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement personnel to evaluate threats’ credibility. Utilize established criteria and protocols to assess each threat’s level of risk.

An example of prioritizing a threat is conducting a thorough analysis of the context and language used to determine whether it is credible. Consider factors such as specificity, access to weapons, and the presence of a motive or intent.

Focus on Prevention and Education

Invest in proactive measures to prevent swatting hoaxes, such as comprehensive mental health support services, conflict resolution programs, and anti-bullying initiatives. Schools can implement regular training sessions for students and staff on recognizing and reporting potential threats, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility within the school community.

By implementing these tips, teachers and school administrators can better understand and effectively address swatting hoaxes and threats of school violence, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature

With Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting feature, school administrators, staff, and teachers can identify and streamline the process of analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes.

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

3 Ways Teachers Can Safeguard Students in the Age of Social Media

Avery McKenzie — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:20:29 +0000

According to the U.S. Surgeon General 2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory, up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform, while nearly two-thirds of teenagers report using social media daily.

We’ve outlined three practical tips for educators to mitigate the risks associated with social media usage in today’s digital age. From fostering supportive environments to staying informed on trending topics, these guidelines give teachers the tools to protect their students.

Educate Students about Online Safety

According to a 2020 study of over 35,000 surveyed teens, about 30% indicated they had been cyberbullied at some point in their lifetimes. With that number in mind, administrators, staff, and teachers should proactively educate students about the potential risks of social media, including:

cyberbullying,
online predators,
and the permanence of digital footprints.

Encourage students to think critically about what they share online and to be cautious when interacting with strangers. Teach them how to set privacy settings on their accounts and how to report inappropriate behavior.

Create a Supportive Environment

Establish an atmosphere in the classroom where students feel comfortable discussing their experiences on social media. Encourage them to report if they encounter any troubling situations online, such as cyberbullying or harassment.

Make it clear that the school staff (counselors and psychologists), teachers, and administrators are there to support them and that any concerns will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature

Stay Informed and Updated on Trends

Social media platforms and the ways students use them are constantly evolving. Teachers need to stay informed about the latest social media trends, apps, and prevalent challenges among students.

A notorious example of a destructive social media trend is the “bathroom challenge” or the “devious lick challenge” on TikTok in late 2021. This challenge prompted students to steal or break large pieces of school property, such as water fountains, fire alarms, bathroom stall doors, and more.

Knowing current social media trends can help teachers recognize potential risks and intervene effectively to protect their students. Additionally, school administrators can create workshops or professional development sessions focused on digital literacy and online safety.

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

The Ultimate Graduation Safety Checklist

Avery McKenzie — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:00:23 +0000

Before graduation caps are thrown into the air and tickets are sent to excited friends and family of the graduating class, a lot of preparation goes into ensuring that the event is safe and fun for all attending. In 2022, Three high school graduation ceremonies ended with shots fired in separate incidents in Louisiana, Michigan, and Tennessee within 24 hours.

While preventing or predicting every safety situation at graduation is impossible, the more thoroughly your graduation safety plan is developed, the better prepared you and your staff will be when faced with an incident.

Venue Inspection

The first item on the graduation safety checklist is to ensure that the desired venue for graduation is safe from any potential physical hazards. Check the venue thoroughly for;

hazards such as uneven flooring, loose wires, or obstacles;
ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked and easily accessible; and
verify that the venue’s capacity aligns with the expected number of attendees to prevent overcrowding.

Accessibility

Ensure the venue is accessible to individuals with disabilities and arrange seating accommodations, designated parking spaces, and accessible restrooms. To ensure your graduation is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, view Ezaccess’s ADA-compliant graduation ceremony article.

Traffic and Parking

One of the biggest headaches for friends and family of the graduating class is finding a place to park and dealing with the inevitable traffic. A few ways to alleviate this pain point are to;

arrange designated parking areas;
provide clear physical signage;
send out a PDF map of the parking areas in advance; and
coordinate with local authorities to manage traffic flow around the venue.

Medical Assistance

While most graduations are held in late spring and early summer, it is not uncommon for the ceremony to be outdoors in the heat. Having a designated medical team or first aid station on-site is essential to attend to any attendees who need assistance.

Weather Preparedness

If you plan to host your graduation ceremony outdoors, check the weather forecast before the event and have a contingency plan in case of inclement weather, such as moving the ceremony indoors or rescheduling.

Security Measures

Arguably, event security is the most essential item on a graduation safety checklist. There are several things to consider regarding security at graduation ceremonies. Appropriate physical security at the event can be achieved by;

coordinating with local law enforcement to be present;
assign trained personnel to monitor entrances and exits; and
implement bag checks or metal detectors if deemed necessary.

It is also essential that the safety protocols and procedures are communicated to staff, graduates, and attendees before the event.

Emergency Plan

It is essential to have a comprehensive emergency plan that covers various scenarios, such as medical emergencies, severe weather, or security threats. Train staff and volunteers on emergency protocols and assign specific roles and responsibilities so stakeholders have an action plan in the event of an emergency.

Active Defender’s Two-Way Communication

Active Defender’s chat platform facilitates direct, two-way communication among administrators, staff, and emergency responders. It includes AI chat features, allowing users to report crucial details with a single tap instantly. Learn more about Active Defender’s capabilities and how we can enhance your school’s security.

Crowd Management

The final item on our graduation safety checklist relates to the attendees. You’ll need to plan for orderly entry and exit procedures to reduce crowd bottlenecking around key entry points. To maintain a good traffic flow, you can assign staff to monitor crowd flow and behavior and intervene if necessary.

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

2024 Essay Contest Winners

Avery McKenzie — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:39:08 +0000

The Active Defender team took great care and consideration while judging the 2024 essay contest submissions, and we have determined our three winners! A big thank you to all the students who took the time to write and send in their perspectives, ideas, and insights about shaping a safer and more secure educational environment.

Essays were judged on the following criteria;

The student highlighted the critical importance of school safety, demonstrating a deep understanding of its significance and implications.
The student presented ideas with clear and coherent language and logical structure.
The student presented practical ideas that were feasible to implement in real-world scenarios.
The student demonstrated creativity and originality when proposing innovative solutions/approaches.

3rd-5th Category Winner: Andrew Gomez

Andrew Gomez, a 4th grader, is the winner of the 3rd-5th grade category. We were impressed with Andrew’s creative and practical ideas to make schools safer. Andrew suggested that to make schools safer, the following needed to be implemented;

Ensure all doors are locked; the principal, teachers, and staff are the only ones with keys.
Encourage everyone to wear name tags so strangers can be easily identified.
Hire a full-time security officer.
Build a fence that surrounds the entire school.

Thank you, Andrew, for the awesome essay!

Download Essay

6th-8th Category Winner: Jake Patino

Jake Patino, a 7th grader, is the winner of the 6th-8th grade category. What a fantastic essay! Jake showcased an incredible understanding of the importance of making schools safer and had great suggestions like;

Providing teachers and school staff with walkie-talkies, self-defense training, and a personal defense kit in classrooms.
Installing cameras, alarm systems, and bullet-proof windows/doors.
Adding a quick-drop rope ladder to classrooms above the first floor and much more!

To continue reading Jake’s spectacular essay, click the button below.

Download Essay

9th-12th Category Winner: Aden Ford

Aden Ford, a 9th grader, is the winner of the 9th-12th grade category. Aden’s essay blew us away with his deep understanding of how a “few minutes are in all truth the difference between life and death.” Some practical and original ideas Aden suggested were;

Increasing police presence on school grounds.
Security checks with a handheld metal detector.
Adding a security check-in at the front door and more!

Click the button below to read the rest of Aden’s outstanding essay.

Download Essay

Let’s give a round of applause to our three winners, Andrew, Jake, and Aden! Again, a huge thank you to all the students who participated! We can’t wait to see some more awesome essays next time!

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

9 Must-Know Safety Tips for School Administrators: Ensuring a Secure Learning Environment

Avery McKenzie — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:40:46 +0000

According to a recent survey, 67% of educators and parents of K12 schools are more concerned about school safety now than they were five years ago. Understanding findings like this is essential for school administrators to create procedures to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Below are 9 important safety considerations every school administrator needs to address.

Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Crisis Management / Emergency Response Plan

Creating a comprehensive Crisis Management/Emergency Response Plan requires careful consideration of various factors and potential risks. Such plans should cover the 5 phases of emergency management: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It is also essential to cover plans for response to varied emergencies such as:

fire;
severe weather/natural disasters;
intruders (lockdown), and
medical emergencies

While every school is different regarding the context in which emergency policies, procedures, and protocols are planned and carried out, what is the same is ensuring that all staff members are familiar with these policies and conduct regular drills to practice them.

Active Defender’s Drill Mode

Schools implementing Active Defender as a part of their Emergency Management/Crisis Response Plans can and are encouraged to practice their fire, lockdown, and several weather drills with Active Defender’s emergency alerting/communication “Drill Mode.” This allows schools to practice essential drills directly from the Active Defender App on their cellphones, desktops, or smart boards without notifying first responders. Active Defender also allows administrators to access and print reports related to drill activities for accountability and continuous improvement purposes.

Are you interested in experiencing “Drill Mode” firsthand? Visit Active Defender to schedule a demo today!

Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

School administrators should regularly conduct various risk assessments within the school environment to identify potential hazards and assess associated risks. These assessments should cover classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and parking lots.

Administrators can effectively prevent accidents or incidents by promptly addressing any identified hazards. Here are five types of risk assessments to consider:

Physical Safety- Identify hazards within the school premises, such as damaged flooring, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning equipment.

Security Risk- Evaluate the effectiveness of security measures, including access control systems, surveillance cameras, and perimeter fencing.

Emergency Preparedness- Review existing emergency response plans for various scenarios, including fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and intruders.

Health and Safety- Evaluate potential health hazards in the school environment, such as exposure to allergens, indoor air quality, or hazardous materials.

Cybersecurity- Evaluate the school’s cybersecurity posture, including the security of IT systems, network infrastructure, and data protection measures.

Enhance Physical Security Measures

Administrators must prioritize installing and maintaining appropriate physical security measures to safeguard the school environment. This includes strategically deploying security cameras, access control systems, perimeter fencing, and alarm systems throughout the premises.

For instance, by strategically placing security cameras in high-traffic areas like entrances and corridors, administrators can enhance surveillance capabilities, deter potential intruders, and promote safety among students and staff.

Administrators can better protect the school community by staying proactive and responsive to emerging threats. Regular reviews also provide opportunities to assess current security measures’ effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Implement Visitor Management Protocols

Establishing strict protocols for visitor management is essential to maintaining a secure school environment. These protocols should encompass various measures to verify visitors’ identities and intentions before granting them access to the premises. For instance, implementing sign-in procedures requires all visitors to provide their name, purpose of visit, and other relevant information upon arrival.

In addition to sign-in procedures, identification verification plays a crucial role in confirming the legitimacy of visitors. Schools may require visitors to present government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, which staff can verify against a database or visitor log.

Furthermore, issuing visitor badges indicates authorized entry and helps identify individuals who may not belong on campus. Visitor badges can include the visitor’s name, photo, and the purpose of their visit, making it easy for staff to identify legitimate visitors and detect any unauthorized individuals quickly.

Provide Ongoing Safety Training

According to a 2020 report, 97% of surveyed schools provide teachers with training on school safety and security. Offering regular safety training sessions for staff members is essential to ensure they are well-prepared to handle emergencies and maintain a safe environment within the school. These training sessions should cover various topics, including emergency response procedures, first aid/CPR, and crisis management.

Emergency response procedures training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to various emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security threats. Staff members learn to recognize signs of emergencies, initiate appropriate responses, evacuate safely, and coordinate with emergency services when necessary.

Foster Strong Communication Channels

Maintain open and transparent communication channels with staff, students, parents, and the broader community regarding safety protocols, updates, and potential threats or concerns. Utilize various communication tools such as emails, newsletters, and mobile apps.

Active Defender’s Two-Way Communication

Active Defender’s chat platform facilitates direct, two-way communication among administrators, staff, and emergency responders. It includes AI chat features, allowing users to report crucial details with a single tap instantly. Learn more about Active Defender’s capabilities and how we can enhance your school’s security.

Establish Emergency Response Teams

Forming emergency response teams composed of trained staff members is critical to ensuring an effective and coordinated response to emergencies within the school environment. These teams are responsible for managing emergencies, implementing established protocols, and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to team members is essential to streamline decision-making and actions during emergencies. Each team member should have clearly defined duties based on their expertise and training. For example, roles may include Incident Commander, Communications Coordinator, First Aid/CPR Responder, Evacuation Coordinator, and Reunification/Recovery Coordinator. By clearly delineating responsibilities, the emergency response team can work together seamlessly to address the school community’s needs during crises.

Click here to download a PDF toolkit of an emergency response prepared by the National Clearinghouse under a U.S. Department of Education grant.

Monitor and Address Bullying and Harassment

According to a 2023 study, 76% of public schools cite an increase in staff voicing concerns about their students exhibiting symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Implementing proactive measures to prevent bullying and harassment is crucial for fostering a safe and inclusive school environment where all students can thrive.

Proactive measures may include implementing anti-bullying programs and initiatives, conducting awareness campaigns, integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum, and promoting empathy, respect, and tolerance through classroom discussions and activities that help cultivate a culture of kindness and understanding, reducing the likelihood of bullying and harassment.

Providing resources for students and staff to report incidents confidentially is essential for ensuring that incidents of bullying and harassment are promptly addressed and effectively resolved. Establishing reporting channels, such as;

anonymous tip lines;
online reporting forms, and
designated staff members trained to handle reports are a few ways to promote reporting.

By offering confidential reporting options, schools empower students and staff to speak up about bullying and harassment without fear of retaliation or stigma, increasing the likelihood of incidents being brought to the attention of school authorities.

Collaborate with Local Authorities

Establishing partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS) is essential for enhancing the school’s emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors.

Schools can leverage their expertise, resources, and support by collaborating with these external stakeholders to coordinate effective emergency responses. This partnership facilitates communication, coordination, and cooperation between the school and emergency responders, enabling a more efficient and coordinated response during crises.

Active Defender’s Integration with First Responders

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform application can integrate with local first responders, alerting authorities with detailed situational awareness of the emergency and reducing response times. Take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by visiting Active Defender and scheduling a demo.

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

2024 School Safety Conferences

Avery McKenzie — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:37:36 +0000

Active Defender proudly announces its exclusive sponsorship of two premier school safety conferences this summer. The first is the highly anticipated North Carolina Christian School Association (NCCSA) Summer Administrators’ School Safety Conference, followed by the esteemed North Texas School Safety Conference. We are thrilled to support these important events dedicated to enhancing school safety protocols and promoting a secure learning environment for all students and staff.

North Texas School Safety Conference

Active Defender is sponsoring and presenting at the North Texas School Safety Conference at Southwest Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 4, 2024. The conference is expected to draw 120+ private and public school administrators from the North Texas area to learn about the latest innovations in school safety and how to ensure the safety and security of their students, staff, and campuses. The planned speakers come from extensive backgrounds in security, including law enforcement, the FBI, the Secret Service, and the military, and session topics will include:

Student Mental Health Support/Behavioral Analysis of Individuals in Crisis
De-escalation Training for School Personnel
The “Must-Haves” of Emergency Response/Crisis Management Planning
Effective Security: Promoting a Culture of Safety
Active Defender: Comprehensive Situational Awareness in a Crisis

NCCSA Summer Administrators’ School Safety Conference

Active Defender is sponsoring and presenting at the NCCSA Summer Administrators’ School Safety Conference at Hilltop Christian School in Fuquay Varina, NC, July 22-23, 2024. The conference is expected to draw 75+ private school administrators from NCCSA and non-member schools. Planned speakers come from extensive safety and security backgrounds, including school security, Secret Service, and the military. Session topics will include:

Student Behavioral Analysis/Prevention (Part I and Part II)
Threat Assessment (Part I and Part II)
Reducing Risk with Strategic Planning
Three Essential School Table-Top Safety Exercises
Active Defender: Comprehensive Situational Awareness in a Crisis
Expert Panel Discussion

Who is Active Defender?

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

How to Utilize Red Flag Words to Enhance School Security

Avery McKenzie — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:46:53 +0000

Regarding school security and red flag words, the situation can extend beyond the confines of school grounds. Understanding what red flag words mean and how to track and prepare staff proactively is imperative.

Administrators, educators, and school IT departments can take various measures to monitor red flag words and deter such behavior, such as developing a comprehensive list, implementing a monitoring system, establishing responsive protocols, etc.

Utilize a Comprehensive List

By utilizing a comprehensive list, like the one available to download free below, of red flag words, school IT departments can take a proactive approach to learning about terms related to violence, threats, bullying, substance abuse, and self-harm. Below is a downloadable comprehensive list of over 260 red flag words for schools to watch out for.

Download Red Flag Words List

Implement Monitoring Systems

Knowing the red flag words is half the battle; the other half is monitoring when and where they are used. Monitoring the frequency of red flag word usage can be difficult due to privacy policies and many students. Luckily, there are software available that can monitor the following:

creates lists of websites and domains to be blocked and approved,
scans through content and metadata to catch inappropriate content on school-issued devices,
searches through every website visited by a student on school-issued devices,
Administrators are also notified of any flagged activity.

While monitoring every search, post, or page view on school-issued devices is challenging, implementing a monitoring system can efficiently detect various topics. This proactive approach enables educators to swiftly address potential concerns while fostering a safer digital environment for students.

Establish Responsive Protocols

Establishing clear, responsive protocols for handling instances where red flag words are detected enables authorities, counselors, or law enforcement agencies, depending on the severity of the situation, to respond promptly with the proper resources. Below is an example of a responsive protocol that schools can implement when they detect red-flag words.

Responsive Protocol Example

Immediate Investigation: Upon detecting red flag words, initiate a prompt investigation to assess the context and potential threat level associated with the flagged content.
Communication: Notify relevant school administrators, counselors, and law enforcement authorities as necessary to coordinate a swift and appropriate response.
Student Support: Provide support and resources to students involved in the flagged activity, including counseling services or interventions to address underlying issues.
Parental Involvement: Inform parents or guardians of students involved in the incident, maintaining open communication and collaboration to ensure a cohesive approach to addressing the situation.
Documentation: Document all steps taken in response to the red flag words, including communication logs, actions taken, and outcomes, to maintain a comprehensive record of the incident.
Review and Analysis: Conduct a thorough review and analysis of the incident to identify gaps or areas for improvement in existing protocols and procedures.

Provide Staff Training

Educators, administrators, and support staff need the resources and knowledge to respond appropriately to red-flag words. Several methods, like guest speakers, discussions, and workshops, can provide sufficient training.

Workshop on Identifying Red Flag Words: Staff members will learn to spot these words across different contexts, including social media, emails, and classroom interactions.

Role-Playing Scenarios: Staff participate in simulated scenarios where they encounter red flag words in different contexts, such as student essays, online forums, and peer interactions. Through role-playing exercises, staff practice appropriately identifying and responding to red flag words.

Guest Speaker Presentations: Inviting experts in school safety, mental health, and risk assessment to conduct presentations on red flag words and their significance in identifying potential threats.

Interactive Online Modules: Implementing interactive online training modules that educate staff on identifying red flag words and responding to safety concerns effectively.
Collaborative Team Discussions: Facilitating team discussions and brainstorming sessions where staff share their experiences, insights, and strategies for identifying red flag words allows them to learn from each other’s perspectives and develop a collective understanding of the importance of vigilance in school security.

Encourage Student Reporting

One of the best ways to catch red flags is from reports from the students themselves. Students must be encouraged to report inappropriate or concerning content viewed on social media, emails, or classroom interactions to the proper authorities. As educators, administrators, and support staff can not constantly monitor everything, students can be the best avenue for reporting red-flag words or behavior.

Students should be motivated by staff to understand that reporting red flag content is acceptable and crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being and that of their peers. It’s important to emphasize that reporting such content is not about getting someone in trouble but rather about preventing potential harm and fostering a supportive environment for everyone in the school community. Students are empowered to play an active role in maintaining a safe and secure school environment by encouraging open communication and destigmatizing the reporting process.

Regularly Review and Update

It is essential to regularly review and update the list of red-flag words based on evolving safety concerns, emerging trends, and feedback from monitoring systems; this ensures that the school stays ahead of potential threats and can respond effectively to new challenges.

Adapting protocols and training materials is crucial to proactively enhancing school safety. By continually refining procedures and providing ongoing education to staff, schools can better equip themselves to identify and address red-flag words promptly and effectively, ultimately fostering a safer learning environment for all students and staff.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and Report their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

Empowering Schools: How the Recovery Support Feature Improves Crisis Response

Avery McKenzie — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:38:20 +0000

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the Recovery Support feature has now been integrated into the Active Defender’s School Safety Platform, marking a significant enhancement to our platform! Having a reunification plan is crucial for schools in the event of a campus emergency necessitating the evacuation and reunification of students with their parents at an alternate location.

Such a plan ensures the safety and well-being of students by providing a structured and organized process for reunification, minimizing confusion and distress for all during a crisis. An appropriate plan enables schools to efficiently:

Account for all students and their well-being.
Establish clear communication channels with parents and relevant authorities to keep stakeholders informed, reducing stress and promoting calm.
Establish clear communication channels with school staff supporting reunification.
Verify parent/guardian identities.
Facilitate smooth and orderly reunions with parents/guardians.
Document successful student/parent reunifications.

The effects of not having a plan for reunification or an ineffective one, are detrimental to the well-being of students and parents, often resulting in long wait times, confusion, and increased stress. Such instances can imply a lack of preparedness and may quickly cast a negative public image on the school and district.

The addition of the Recovery Support feature provides a comprehensive solution for simplifying the complex procedures associated with overseeing, communicating, reporting, and ensuring accountability during crucial moments of student reunification.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this innovative feature operates:

Initiating Recovery:

In the unfortunate event of a crisis necessitating the relocation of students, the Recovery Support feature empowers schools to respond promptly and efficiently in reuniting students with their parents or guardians.

Step 1: Initiating Recovery Requests

A designated staff member receives a student’s first and last name from a parent or guardian. This information is input into the Recovery Support feature, initiating the process by tapping the “student lookup” option.

Upon initiating the process, one of four status options will be displayed on the screen, providing crucial insights into the student’s current situation:

Presumed Waiting: Indicates that the student is presumed to be in a secure location.
Status Uncertain: Denotes the student’s status is currently uncertain.
Guardian Identified: Confirms that the parent or guardian has been identified as authorized for student pickup.
UNIFIED COMPLETE: The student and parent or guardian have been successfully reunited.

Step 2: Verification and Further Instructions

If the status indicates ‘Presumed Waiting,’ the staff member can enter the parent or guardian’s first and last name, along with their relationship to the student, to verify their authorization for pickup.

In cases where the status reflects ‘Status Uncertain,’ the staff member guides the approved parent or guardian to a designated holding area, where they can be provided with support as they await further instructions and updates.

Step 3: Reunification and Confirmation

Once the parent or guardian is confirmed for pickup, they are reunited with the student under the supervision of a staff member.

A crucial step in this process involves capturing a photograph of the reunification moment, which serves as visual documentation. Subsequently, the staff member confirms the status as ‘UNIFIED COMPLETE,’ marking the successful conclusion of the recovery process.

For those interested in experiencing a firsthand demonstration of the Recovery Support feature, we invite you to contact us at japonte@active-defender.com or call 910-683-0090 to schedule a brief virtual demonstration.

With the Recovery Support feature, Active Defender continues its commitment to providing robust tools and solutions for ensuring the safety and well-being of students during critical incidents.