In an effort to enhance school safety and prevent tragedies like the Parkland school shooting, Lori Alhadeff, mother of one of the victims, is advocating for the implementation of Alyssa's Law in New York. Named after her daughter, Alyssa Alhadeff, the law mandates the installation of silent panic alarms in schools to expedite emergency response times. This blog post talks about the story behind Alyssa's Law, its current status in New York, and its potential impact on school safety.
On February 14, 2018, Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old freshman, was one of 17 people killed during the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa's mother, recalls the harrowing moments of texting her daughter to run and hide, hoping help would arrive in time. Unfortunately, due to mass confusion and delays in the 911 response, Alyssa did not survive.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Lori Alhadeff founded the organization "Make Our Schools Safe" and began advocating for the implementation of silent panic alarms in schools. These alarms, directly linked to law enforcement, aim to reduce response times during emergencies, potentially saving lives. Alyssa's Law has already been enacted in Florida and New Jersey, and efforts are underway to pass it in other states, including New York.
For the past three years, Lori Alhadeff and her family have been lobbying the New York State Legislature to pass Alyssa's Law. The proposed legislation would require every school district to evaluate the feasibility of installing panic alarms. This week, Alhadeff met with over 250 lawmakers in Albany, urging them to consider the bill.
The bill has garnered significant support, passing the New York Senate and gaining optimism from Assembly members for a full vote this session. Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto have both expressed confidence in the bill's momentum, emphasizing the importance of swift emergency response in light of recent school shootings across the nation.
Silent panic alarms can be integrated into existing school infrastructure, often through software that connects to phones and computers. When activated, these alarms notify law enforcement directly, allowing for immediate dispatch to the school. Some systems also include visual alerts, such as strobe lights, to signal students and staff to go into lockdown.
In Hillsdale, New Jersey, schools have already implemented panic alarms. Staff can activate the alarm by pressing a button, which sends an immediate alert to 911 dispatchers. This system ensures that law enforcement is notified without delay, potentially saving crucial minutes during an emergency.
The primary goal of Alyssa's Law is to enhance the safety of students and staff by ensuring rapid emergency response. In the event of a school shooting or other life-threatening situation, every second counts. By reducing response times, panic alarms can help mitigate the impact of such incidents.
For parents, knowing that their child's school has measures in place to quickly respond to emergencies can provide significant peace of mind. As Assemblyman Benedetto noted, the implementation of Alyssa's Law offers some consolation to parents concerned about their children's safety.
As an attorney specializing in representing victims of violent crimes, I wholeheartedly support the implementation of Alyssa's Law. The tragic loss of Alyssa Alhadeff underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in our schools. Silent panic alarms are a practical and effective solution to ensure that law enforcement can respond swiftly to emergencies, potentially saving lives.
From a legal perspective, schools have a duty of care to protect their students and staff. The adoption of Alyssa's Law would not only enhance safety but also demonstrate a proactive approach to fulfilling this duty. I commend Lori Alhadeff and her family for their tireless advocacy and urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this critical legislation.
The push for Alyssa's Law in New York represents a significant step towards making schools safer for students and staff. By mandating the installation of silent panic alarms, the law aims to reduce emergency response times and prevent future tragedies. As the legislative process continues, the support and advocacy of individuals like Lori Alhadeff are crucial in driving this important change.
Source:
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/alyssas-law-new-york-school-panic-alarms-legislation/
