When tragedy strikes, every second counts.
Every school has an emergency response plan, but when a crisis strikes, the real question is: Will it work and save lives?
That question was front and center during Navigate360’s recent webinar, “Empowering Schools to Respond in Seconds: How Panic Buttons Can Save Lives.” The webinar featured two powerful voices in school safety: Lori Alhadeff, founder of Make Our Schools Safe and mother of Alyssa Alhadeff, and Derek Norman, Director of Safety and Transportation at Gibson County Special School District in Tennessee.
Together, they unpacked why panic button systems are an essential part of emergency response plans for schools, and what it takes to implement them successfully.
From Personal Loss to National Impact
Lori Alhadeff’s advocacy began with tragedy. Her daughter Alyssa was one of 17 victims killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Alyssa was shot in her English classroom. There was no panic button. There was no fast, direct way to call for help.
“Alyssa didn’t know where to go. She was in the direct line of fire. The panic button wasn’t pushed—because it didn’t exist.”
Since then, Lori has turned her grief into purpose. She founded Make Our Schools Safe, launched Alyssa’s Law, and is working to make panic button systems standard across the country. The law has now passed in nine states, with more expected to follow.
Why Panic Buttons Matter
Most school shootings end in five minutes or less. Some are over in under two. Traditional response plans—based on phone calls, PA systems, or word of mouth—aren’t fast enough. Panic buttons, especially wearable options, give school staff the ability to discreetly and immediately alert law enforcement and internal crisis teams.
“Time equals life,” Lori said. “Every second matters in an emergency.”
More Than Just Crisis Response
Panic buttons aren’t only for active shooter situations. They’re lifesaving tools for everyday emergencies that happen far more frequently:
- Medical emergencies like seizures or cardiac arrest
- Student fights or conflicts that could escalate
- Mental health crises, including panic attacks or suicide risk
“One in five students is struggling. Getting help to them discreetly can change outcomes,” said Heather Connelly, Regional VP at Navigate360.
Used daily, panic buttons offer support beyond emergencies. They promote prevention, early intervention, and a sense of security for staff and students alike.
A District’s Real-World Implementation
Derek Norman’s district in rural Tennessee is preparing to roll out a new safety platform this summer—and they’ve partnered with Navigate360 to do it. After exploring other options, the team selected wearable panic buttons from 911Cellular, delivered through Navigate360, offering seven alerting options—more than any other vendor.
“We didn’t want to rely on cell networks or the chance someone had their phone in hand,” Derek explained.
In addition to panic buttons, the district is implementing Navigate360 Emergency Management, giving schools a single platform to prepare, prevent, inform, respond, and reunify. It’s a complete solution from one trusted partner—and with state funding tied to Alyssa’s Law, it’s both sustainable and scalable.
The Role of Training & Student Engagement
Technology only works if people are trained to use it. That’s why both Lori and Derek stressed the importance of drills, monthly practice, and collaborative planning with law enforcement and dispatch teams—something that Navigate360 always encourages.
“If you don’t train, you freeze. The body reverts to how it was trained. So train with your panic button. Use it in your drills. Build that muscle memory,” Lori urged.
She also highlighted the impact of MOSS Clubs—student-led safety teams that empower teens to promote awareness and drive cultural change in their schools. These clubs, backed by Make Our Schools Safe, have already funneled over $560,000 into school safety improvements.
“Your voice is your power,” Lori told the webinar audience. “And students are the key to prevention.”
A Smarter Path Forward
Panic buttons aren’t just about compliance. They’re about action. The right emergency response plans for schools don’t rely on one person, one phone, or one system. They’re layered, intuitive, and designed to save lives before tragedy strikes.
Panic buttons are part of that solution. So are digital tools, trauma-informed training, and empowered students. As Lori reminded us, every second matters. But so does every choice schools make before those seconds begin.
School Safety Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
We help busy schools move beyond checking boxes by delivering the training, tools, and technology needed to build safer learning environments—all from a single, trusted partner.
Talk with a school safety consultant today and discover how you can streamline compliance, simplify planning, and protect what matters most.
