Monroe schools one of first to put new safety system Panic Button into use

Monroe Public Schools expects to fully implement its new Panic Button app by the spring, but administrators are already lauding the new emergency response system and the state support that made it possible.

Created by software systems company Rave Mobile Safety, Panic Button is a mobile app that allows users to connect to 911, school faculty and first-responders for real-time updates about emergency situations that range from active shooters to medical crises.

Through a $41,880 grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction ' part of a $7 million safety grant distribution approved through Senate Bill 5197 in 2013 for 80 Washington school districts to develop new emergency response systems using evolving technology ' Panic Button adds the district's existing rapid responder system, according to a school news release.

"Monroe was one of the first districts in Snohomish County, and the nation, to test and implement this life-saving application for all their district campuses,GÇ¥ said Rich Mcquade, operations coordinator for Snohomish County Police Staff and Auxiliary Services Center (SNOPAC).

Safety/risk manager Jeff Beazizo worked with SNOPAC and Monroe Police most of the summer to set up the system in all Monroe schools and support facilities. School administrators are up to speed, according to the district, with staff training ongoing.