Panic Button app reduces emergency response times for Newberry schools

NEWBERRY COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A phone app is helping schools reduce emergency personnel response time in Newberry County.

The Panic Button application was installed on all school district administrators' phones last year and now is being installed on all teachers and other full-time staff member phones throughout the district. Administrators and public safety first responders are already praising the technology.

"This is an incredible resource for the schools, public safety, and the people of Newberry County," Sheriff Foster said. "Many other schools, hospitals, and public safety agencies are starting to explore this technology but we stand proud to say that Newberry County was the first agency in South Carolina to implement what we are convinced will make our children safer and provide a much faster response to the schools and hospitals should an emergency occur."

The app alerts law enforcement, EMS, fire, public safety and calls 911 at the same time. It saves a significant amount of response time by immediately alerting first responders as the call is being received in the 911 center, officials say.

Sheriff Foster said that Newberry County was the first county in the nation to form a partnership including the school district, hospital, and public safety officials.

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