HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — As students prepare to head back to school, area school districts say they are even more prepared to keep kids safe.
BACK TO SCHOOL | Everything you need to know
One app is called FortifyFL, a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. Schools across the state are using this to protect students.
Hillsborough County Schools is using a new Crisis Alert system. It uses ID badges that can immediately trigger a school-wide lockdown with audio and visual notifications, and provides first responders with the location the alert was triggered. They are also using FortifyFL.
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Pasco County Schools leaders are taking extra steps to make sure all their students are safe before, during and after school. The district is loading a new app called CrisisGo on all district devices.
"All you have to do is open the app, hit one button, and an alert will be sent throughout the district, and to the authorities," said Superintendent Kurt Browning.
Pasco County Schools are also using FortifyFL.
In Sarasota County schools, the Transportation Department will be piloting a scanner ID program on school buses for three schools that would be able to locate the students riding those buses. They have already been using the ‘Where’s The Bus’ app. They are also using FortifyFL.
Polk County Schools are a part of FortifyFL, and the district also uses Crimestoppers at all school sites.
In Manatee County, the district utilizes the FortifyFL app in its safety & security efforts. They will also soon be utilizing Rave Panic Button with Mutual Link as well.