The Importance of Two-Way Radios for a Secure School
August is here. As summer vacation winds down and administrators and educators prepare for the school year ahead, it is vital that schools prioritize safety and proper communication protocols. In any school setting – from K-12 to college – two-way radios are indispensable, empowering staff members to maintain order and discipline, enhance security, and rapidly respond to emergencies.
It’s no secret that working in education can be hectic, challenging, and chaotic –sprawling campuses with multiple buildings, hallways bustling with students, and various extracurricular events. Whether it is coordinating bus transportation, cleaning up a spill, or patrolling the campus, two-way radios make it easier to maintain a secure learning environment.
In addition to maintaining order in day-to-day operations, it is essential that faculty and staff communicate quickly and efficiently when the unexpected occurs. Events such as medical emergencies, fire hazards, and potential security threats all require a rapid and coordinated response. With the rise of violence in schools in recent years, it can even be a matter of saving lives. Since 2018, there have been 167 school shootings in the United States that have resulted in injuries or deaths. In these kinds of scenarios, two-way radios cut through the noise to keep students and staff safe, and facilities secure.
Two-way radios offer several notable benefits over cellphones for communication in a school setting:
- Instant communication with the push of a button – no need to dial a number or wait for someone to pick up.
- Better reliability in areas with poor or no network coverage.
- Communication as a group, allowing multiple users to listen and respond simultaneously.
- Longer battery lives, ensuring extended communication abilities.
- Effective in noisy settings, such as a busy hallway, crowded bus, or rowdy classroom.
As we gear up for the approaching school year, school safety should remain a priority. A two-way radio system can ensure an educational institution – whether it’s a K-12 school district or a college campus – is confidently prepared for any challenges.
Contact a GenComm expert today to discover how we can keep your school’s students and staff safe, and facilities secure.