Education
The Problem
Safety in schools has become an exceedingly prominent and sensitive topic. Active shooters and other violent threats are an unfortunate reality in schools. How can your school stand out as one with both recognition of the issue and a plan for action based on the concerns from parents and administrators? BluePoint Alert Solutions provides the most state-of-the-art Rapid Emergency Response System.
No matter what your response protocol is currently—lockdown, run-hide-fight, ALICE—the real barrier to faster response is the human-centric tasks needing to be completed. These tasks take too much time, especially when people are in a state of panic. BluePoint mobilizes a patented technology solution to reduce the number of human touchpoints during an emergency situation to enable faster response.
True Life Safety
BluePoint’s solution is unique because of the true life-safety approach. The technical requirements that make the fire alarm the most reliable system installed in buildings have been replicated in our emergency response solutions, making our communications platform compliant with FEMA’s recommendation for Incident Command Structure and Multi-Hazard Communications.
Simple, Intuitive Activation
The BluePoint solution is specifically designed for crisis situations such as school shootings. Its user interface is designed to be familiar, simple, and intuitive, enabling effective usage even in high-stress scenarios. Training is not required for activating the solution; users only need to know when and what to do after activation.
To further enhance the system’s effectiveness, wearable mobile pendants are included alongside standard pull stations. These pendants enable individuals moving around the building to activate the system quickly and securely if they encounter an active threat.
Building-Wide Notification
As a true life safety solution, BluePoint notifies all occupants of a building—employees and visitors alike—to take precautions through strobe lights and audio messaging that reduces panic and confusion. The messaging can include a reminder of the response protocol (lockdown, run-hide-fight, etc.) as well as assurance that police are on their way. Strobe lights reinforce the messaging, especially in high ambient noise areas and outside buildings, warning people not to enter.
“The BluePoint system allows us to have immediate access to emergency officials so they can respond faster and with the information they need for more informed decision-making.”
Ted Stec, Superintendent of Lombard School District 44, Illinois
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed questions about installation, custom solutions, and product specs, please email us
How are the Police notified in the event of an activation of a BluePoint Police device?
The primary method for notifying Law Enforcement in the event of a BluePoint Police device activation is through a live operator dispatch call. The BluePoint Central Station operator will immediately initiate the phone call to the predetermined dispatch agency and provide that dispatcher with the building name, address, device name and any other information they currently have about the incident. For dispatch agencies that are equipped for digital signal relay, the relevant information can be sent directly into their CAD system from the BluePoint Central Station without the need for a live operator phone call. Lastly, any Law Enforcement agency that chooses to do so, can receive the automated ‘C2’ text & email notifications directly to dispatchers, leadership, or officers in whatever combination they prefer. BluePoint always recommends consulting with local Law Enforcement to determine how to most efficiently notify first responders within any given jurisdiction.
Will the BluePoint strobes and PA message be activated in the event of a Medical device activation?
No, the BluePoint strobes and PA message will NOT be activated in the event of a Medical device alarm.
Do the BluePoint strobes make a horn or siren sound like most Fire Alarm strobes?
No, the BluePoint strobes do not make any sound and that is an intentional feature so as to not confuse the BluePoint system with the Fire Alarm system. For clients looking for an audible alert to be triggered during a Police device activation, we recommend either integrating with your existing PA system to play a pre-programmed message (notifying occupants to initiate their emergency response plan) or, for clients who do not have or want to tie in to their PA system, BluePoint is now offering a speaker strobe that will have the capability to play that pre-programmed message right from the BluePoint device.
Do BluePoint devices need to be co-located with all of my Fire Alarm devices?
No, not necessarily. BluePoint systems are not currently governed by the same codes as Fire Alarm systems so device placement can be customized to fit each client’s individual needs and budget.
Does the BluePoint system need to be serviced and tested like a Fire Alarm system?
Yes, BluePoint recommends that all systems be inspected and tested (including battery changes for any wireless devices) annually by a BluePoint Licensed Integrator. BluePoint also recommends that clients conduct an internal drill or test of the system at least once a year to make sure that building leadership and staff are fully equipped on how to utilize the system and respond to activations.
Does BluePoint require access to our network at all and if so, will it still operate if my network is down?
Yes, the BluePoint system requires a network connection to establish a link between the system Control Panel and the Central Station receiver. That connection is backed up by a cellular pathway for automatic failover in the event of a network failure or outage.
CASE STUDIES
Addison School District
Addison School District faced challenges related to the inability to simultaneously notify personnel during active threats and an increasing concern about violent incidents. The district sought a solution for enhanced safety and faculty peace of mind. The adoption of the BluePoint Alert system addresses these concerns, enabling activation from any location within the school and providing instant communication to faculty, administrators, and local law enforcement during incidents, coupled with location services for swift responses.
Central Catholic
Central Catholic High School, an all-boys college preparatory school in Pittsburgh, faced unique security challenges due to its central location between major universities, trauma-focused medical centers, and the proximity to the Tree of Life Synagogue where a tragic shooting occurred in 2018. In response to the heightened security challenges in the city, Central Catholic sought an additional layer of security to ensure the safety of its students, especially during the tradition of walking the campus quad.
Wheaton Academy
Wheaton Academy, a top-ranked private Christian high school in West Chicago, IL, faced challenges with emergency response and lacked a centralized system for communication during incidents. Recognizing the need for a seamless solution, the school sought a system that would provide instant communication and eliminate decision-making stress for personnel during emergencies.
Get In Touch with Us
Address
425 Renner Dr
Elgin, IL 60123
Phone Number
Sales
sales@bluepointalert.com