Horry County Schools Invests $1 Million in Crisis Alert System

Horry County Schools has made a significant investment in student safety by purchasing a new crisis alert system for approximately $1 million. This system, developed by CENTEGIX, allows staff to respond to emergencies with the simple press of a button, drastically reducing response times in critical situations.

The newly implemented system empowers staff members to wear panic buttons that function throughout school campuses, independent of wireless networks or mobile devices. The objective is to facilitate lockdown procedures within 8 to 10 seconds, a substantial improvement compared to the typical 90 seconds currently required. “We’re not going to give anybody free rein in our hallways for 90 seconds,” stated Michael Frederick, the district’s executive director of safety and security.

Functionality of the Panic Button System

The CENTEGIX system includes two types of alerts. The first is a “help needed” notification activated by a single press. This alert will notify a school’s response team in situations ranging from medical emergencies to physical altercations. The second alert is specifically for lockdown scenarios, activated by pressing the panic button eight times or continuously. This action immediately alerts first responders and administration.

In the event of a lockdown, strobe lights will flash in every classroom, and all screens on campus will display lockdown instructions, ensuring that the message reaches everyone effectively. The system also provides responders with the precise location of an incident, enhancing the efficiency of emergency responses.

In addition to the panic button initiative, Horry County Schools has nearly doubled its expenditure on armed security across its 59 campuses. Earlier this year, the district also introduced AI-driven weapons detection systems in schools. Frederick emphasized that these measures, combined with the new crisis alert system, would significantly enhance the district’s emergency protocols.

Implementation Timeline and Community Response

The alert system is currently being installed during non-instructional hours, with plans to have it operational by the beginning of 2026. Lisa Bourcier, a spokeswoman for the district, confirmed that the panic buttons are already being integrated into the school environment. However, Frederick noted that the district will not rush the rollout. Comprehensive on-site training from CENTEGIX will take place at each campus over the coming months to ensure that staff are fully prepared for the system’s use.

The response from teachers and principals regarding the new system has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Horry County Schools is not alone in adopting such measures; Greenville County Schools has also implemented a similar panic button system. In Greenville, staff members wear alert buttons that serve different functions based on the number of presses, such as alerting school leaders to students fleeing or indicating an active shooter situation.

The urgency for enhanced security measures in Horry County Schools has been underscored by past incidents. In August 2023, a special education student wandered away from Carolina Forest Elementary School during recess. Fortunately, the child was returned unharmed, but the district announced an administrative review of the event, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety within special education contexts.

Horry County Schools serves more than 48,000 students and employs upwards of 3,000 teachers, making the effectiveness of its safety protocols crucial for the community. As the district rolls out this new crisis alert system, it aims to foster a safer educational environment for all students and staff.