Why Your School Needs a Shooter Detection System (+ How to Pay for It!)

20 Feb Why Your School Needs a Shooter Detection System (+ How to Pay for It!)

The safety and security of our schools and children are of paramount importance. With the increasing number of tragic incidents involving active shooters, it’s critical for educational institutions to take proactive measures to protect students, faculty, and staff. 

One preventative measure for school administrators to consider is installing a shooter detection system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of these systems and how schools can finance these critical security enhancements by leveraging government grants. 

 

The Need for Shooter Detection Systems in Schools

The primary goal of any shooter detection system is to save lives by enabling law enforcement and emergency responders to act as quickly as possible. These systems do this by instantly identifying gunshots through advanced acoustic and infrared sensors that accurately detect and alert authorities to the precise location of gunfire. 

Without the need for human verification, detection can be instantaneous and free of user error. For example, at Zions Security Alarms the shooter detection system we recommend has less than one false alarm for every five million service hours. This means law enforcement and emergency responders can act swiftly with confidence. 

 

How Shooter Detection Systems Work

The technology behind shooter detection systems is both sophisticated and reliable, reducing false alarms and providing real-time alerts. The acoustic sensors do not require calibration and can pick up the sound of a gunshot blast from any direction within 40 feet, detect all ranges of gunshots (from low-caliber rifles to semi-automatic and automatic rifles), and filter out all other environmental noise. The infrared sensor detects the flash of a muzzle, even if it isn’t in the direct line of sight. 

Systems are set up with sensors every 80 feet. This provides coverage for 2500 square feet as each gunshot detection sensor provides 40 feet of coverage in a 180-degree arc. Exact placement is customized to each building to eliminate blind spots.   

When a gunshot is detected, the system sends a notification to local law enforcement and designated school officials within less than a second. By providing the exact location of the shooting within the school premises, responders know where to act and can more quickly establish and execute their plans. 

 

Benefits of Implementing Shooter Detection Systems in Schools

In addition to potentially saving lives, shooter detection systems offer a number of other important benefits: 

• Peace of Mind: For parents, students, and staff, knowing the school is proactive in implementing advanced security measures offers a greater sense of security and peace.  
• Enhanced Preparedness: Schools equipped with shooter detection systems can implement more effective lockdown procedures and emergency response plans. Should an active shooter incident occur, the response can be quickly executed according to the specific circumstances.
• Immediate Detection and Notification: The system’s ability to instantly detect and pinpoint the location of gunfire ensures that first responders are notified without delay, significantly reducing response times. 
• Accuracy and Reliability: With advanced technology designed to distinguish between actual gunshots and other loud noises, these systems minimize false alarms, ensuring resources are mobilized only in genuine emergencies.

 

Financing with Government Grants

While installing a shooter detection system within every school may seem like a no-brainer, the cost can seem prohibitive. However, there are state and federal government grants available to assist with or even cover these expenses. By leveraging these programs, schools can install advanced security systems in financially viable ways that don’t place undue strain on educational budgets.

These grants can cover a number of advanced security measures. For example, several Utah schools have used grant money to install security cameras and systems that automatically lock doors with card readers. Shooter detection systems also fall under these funding programs, though schools interested in acquiring shooter detection systems will also need to have a building safety assessment and designate a safety specialist first. 

Schools interested in applying for these grants can fill out a simple intake form to request help and guidance through the process. After form completion, a Shooter Detection System (SDS) representative will reach out to walk school administrators through the process of applying for a grant. We’re ready to help you get the right form for your state and get the right system for your school.

 

Safety First

The safety of our children and educational staff should never be compromised, and implementing shooter detection systems in schools is a significant step toward enhancing security and ensuring a safe learning environment. Government grants can assist in financing these systems by giving schools a viable way to upgrade their security measures. 

Zions Security Alarms is committed to helping educational institutions of all shapes and sizes navigate these options, offering expertise and support in securing the necessary funding and implementing these critical safety solutions. By taking proactive steps today, we can create a safer tomorrow for our schools and our children. 

If you’d like to explore options for your building, contact Zions Security Alarms for further information and assistance in applying for a grant.