NYC Schools Will Be First In Nation To Have Direct 911 Access In Active Shooter Threats

""For the first time ever in our nation, a public school system will have direct integration with 911 services to ensure that help is on the way within seconds if there is ever an active shooter or weapon-based threat. Every parent deserves to know their child is safe in school, and this system gives them that peace of mind, the mayor added.""

"The new Emergency Alert System is scheduled to be rolled out to a total of 25 school buildings, representing 51 public schools across the five boroughs, during the 2025-2026 school year. EAS will provide an immediate, secure, and automated pathway for public schools to directly alert 911 of a critical emergency associated with a hard lockdown involving a weapon-based threat or active shooter situation, Adams said. A panic button within the schools can initiate a police response in under 10 seconds, officials said."

"The EAS created by the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) will debut at the Spring Creek campus in Brooklyn. When a panic button is pressed, a dispatcher will put the call over the air and the system's dashboard will provide emergency responders with information on the school. The schools will have audible and visual indicators notifying students and faculty that 911 has been notified, and the school is on a hard lockdown."

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be piloted in 25 school buildings representing 51 public schools across New York City during the 2025-2026 school year. The EAS provides an immediate, secure, automated pathway for schools to directly alert 911 during a hard lockdown involving a weapon-based threat or active shooter. A panic button can initiate a police response in under 10 seconds. When activated, a dispatcher broadcasts the call and the system dashboard supplies responders with school information. Schools will display audible and visual indicators and send electronic notifications that 911 has been notified and the building is on lockdown. The system will debut at the Spring Creek campus in Brooklyn.

Read at New York City, NY Patch