Enhancing School Safety by Reaching Every Individual: A Comprehensive Approach
Saline Area Schools in Michigan Introduce Inclusive and Accessible Emergency Alert System
Saline Area Schools in Michigan have taken a significant step towards enhancing safety and inclusivity by implementing a new district-wide emergency alert system. The system, designed to effectively communicate with all students, regardless of auditory and visual needs, includes a variety of features such as text messages, visual alerts, and auditory signs.
The system, developed by the district's director of technology, Jay Grossman, utilizes speakers from Network Design, some of which come with a three-strobe light alert system. The strobe lights have been strategically placed above welding stations and the heads of students in welding rooms, ensuring visibility even with welding helmets on.
In potentially loud spaces like welding rooms and music rooms, the alert system is designed to provide a visual flash to indicate an emergency situation. For colorblind students, the left light indicates a lockdown, while the right light indicates it's not. If a room is always quiet, the volume of the alert system might not be set at maximum, but if a teacher reports that students didn't hear the alert due to a loud class or being in a hallway, the volume can be increased.
The speakers used in the alert system have individual volume controls, allowing for adjustments based on feedback from teachers and students. The volume of the alert system is being adjusted based on the feedback received during the drill and feedback portion of the implementation process.
To ensure everyone understands the new system, district leaders are educating faculty and students on how the inclusive alert system works, including the meaning of left and right lights. Virtual ASL interpreters and tips for improving accessibility are being explored as part of the district's inclusive technology systems.
Text messages will appear on various screens, providing instructions to students. Auditory signs provide verbal cues to students who can't see, blurted from emergency speakers. The district has taken into account unique situations such as potentially loud spaces like welding rooms and music rooms.
The district recently updated safety alerts district-wide, with the goal of communicating more effectively with all students. School community feedback is being obtained once new alert systems are implemented to ensure proper alert volume for different spaces.
Saline Area Schools serve students with special needs, students enrolled in adult education, and life-skills programs. The new inclusive alert system is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in the district.
