Texas District Deploys Emergency Response System
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Joshua Independent School District in Texas is rolling out a new emergency communications system across its campuses. The deployment is aimed specifically at addressing emergency situations by providing first responders with school information.
For the program, Joshua ISD chose Rapid Responder from Prepared Response. Rapid Responder is a crisis management system that, during an emergency, provides police, fire, and other emergency services agencies with detailed information about a school, such as floor plans, utility shutoffs, access routes, and other information. The program also offers training for school staff provided by Prepared Response, including emergency preparedness training classes.
"The Joshua ISD is excited to ‘roll out' this new program," said John Grigsby, assistant superintendent for administrative services, in a prepared statement. "A great deal of time and effort has been given to this project so that we can continually provide instant, current and useful information to our first responders in an emergency situation. When an incident happens, time is of the essence. During a crisis is no time to have to make up emergency plans. This program brings all of our first responders and key district personnel together and communicates instantly the information everyone needs to deal with an incident."
Joshua ISD will use the system in all of its elementary school, middle school, high school, and administration facilities. The district comprises eight schools and learning centers. Funding for the new system was provided by a United States Department of Education grant.
In addition to Joshua ISD, Rapid Responder is used in 275 school districts around the country.