Should wearable panic buttons be a requirement for every Alabama school?

ALABASTER, Ala. (WIAT) — When there’s a crisis, every second counts. Some leaders in Alabama believe a wearable panic button could make all the difference in protecting students in the state.

A teacher can press a button three times to call an administrator or eight times to lock down the entire school. Centegix, the company who makes the badge, is urging lawmakers to require the system in all schools by passing Alyssa’s Law, named after a student who lost her life in the 2018 Parkland school shooting.

Rod Russell, senior director of government affairs, said it can be hard for teachers to tell 911 what’s going on when they are under stress.

“By the time they do that, you’ve wasted seconds. Wasted seconds,” said Russell. “This gives the exact location, it gives who it is, and now the responders know I am headed that direction.”

Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said every employee in his district saves those seconds by wearing these lanyards in the event of an emergency.

“Knowing that someone might have been able to prevent it is something that, I just couldn’t sleep at night without thinking if I could do one more thing,” said Dr. Vickers. “Not that we ever use it- I hope we never use it- but it’s there if we have that opportunity and we can stop something before it becomes a tragedy.”

While every school wants that ability, Russell acknowledged that some districts might not have the budget to afford the devices. That’s why he said strengthening safety procedures at schools is a good place to start.

State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) shared her thoughts on mandating the devices in every Alabama school.

“What’s the best use of taxpayer dollars in our state? We are not a wealthy state, so we have to think smart,” she noted. “We have to think about the best use of funds. And of course, the primary objective of keeping our kids safe.”

Earlier this year, a bill based on Alyssa’s Law passed through the Alabama House, but was not voted on in the Senate.

Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton) has said he will file the same legislation next session, requiring all schools to have a rapid response system. The 2026 Legislative Session starts on January 13th.