FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Findlay City Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to install SafeDefend Active Shooters Response System. SafeDefend utilizes multiple ways of communication in the event of an active shooter crisis as well as provides staff with crisis management options and training, including but not limited to defensive force and first aid. Each classroom and large common spaces throughout the district will be equipped with a safety box in classrooms and activation modules for hallways. The system provides instant notification in multiple ways in cases of an active shooter or life-threatening crisis. Once a staff member activates the device, an instant notification is sent to dispatch along with a text message, email, and voice alert over the PA that is sent to all law enforcement officers, firefighters, and staff within that building, and administration across the district. The system identifies the exact location of the crisis down to the school and specific room where the system was activated.
SafeDefend is protecting students and staff across the country by reducing law enforcement time; ensuring law enforcement, firefighters/ems, and staff have real-time crisis information until help arrives. SafeDefend has been installed in over 300 schools in 9 states and their team has trained over 20,000 teachers and staff on best practices for crisis management and active shooter response. For more information about this system, please click on the SafeDefend link: http://www.safedefend.com/
“The safety and security of our staff and students is Findlay City Schools highest priority. We know safety and security requires a layered approach and we will continue to be proactive in evaluating new and additional ways to increase the safety and security of staff and students. Findlay City Schools will be the first district in Ohio to install SafeDefend. The partnership and collaboration between FCS and the City of Findlay Police and Fire Departments while installing SafeDefend will significantly increase our response capabilities while decreasing response times for a life-threatening crisis” says Matt Cooper Board President. For more information about Findlay City Schools, please visit www.fcs.org. Contact: Matt Cooper, Board President for additional information (419) 408-7159 or mcooper@fcsboard.findlaycityschools.org or Interim Superintendent Krista Crates-Miller at: (419) 425-8202 kristamiller@fcs.org.