Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety Alert System topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Joliet Twp HSD 204 introduces BluePoint alert system to speed emergency response
Summary
Joliet Twp HSD 204 presented an overview of BluePoint, a district alert system that notifies Joliet police and fire departments of life‑threatening incidents, gives responders live camera access and exact in‑building locations, and uses color‑coded pull stations and staff wearables for activation.
Speaker 1, a presenter for Joliet Twp HSD 204, outlined a new BluePoint alert system the district has installed to notify Joliet police and fire departments about life‑threatening emergencies and to provide responders with live camera feeds and the exact location inside school buildings.
"BluePoint was created with a very specific goal to provide our first responders with the information they need to make faster, more informed decisions in the event of a life threatening emergency," Speaker 1 said, describing the district's rationale for installing the technology.
How it works: Speaker 1 said that "once activated, first responders are notified of the specific school as well as the exact location within the building where the emergency is occurring," and that the system "provides police with access to live camera feeds from the school cameras into the building." The presenter added that BluePoint includes "a 2 way communication platform" that lets staff relay information to a command group and receive instructions in return.
Hardware and activation: The district installed two types of pull stations in every school: a blue police pull station and a green medical pull station. "Simply put, the police pull stations should only be used when there is an immediate danger in the building and police are needed," the presenter said. "The medical pull station should only be used when a student or staff member is experiencing a life threatening medical emergency and paramedics are needed."
Wearables and coverage: Speaker 1 said each school has been given wearable devices for staff to use when they are away from a pull station (for example, during outdoor classes). "The device contains a button that once pressed acts in the same way as the police or medical pull stations," the presenter said, and principals received the devices for distribution.
Use guidance and public safety note: The district emphasized that BluePoint is intended for "rare circumstances" only. "It is important that the Blue Point system is used only in rare circumstances, a circumstance in which there is a life threatening emergency," Speaker 1 stated, and the presenter repeated that for non‑life‑threatening events people should continue to call 9‑1‑1 and follow existing school safety procedures.
Next steps: Speaker 1 said the district hopes never to have to use the system but wants schools prepared. For questions, staff and families were directed to contact their building principal; the presenter said the district will continue to provide information so staff can "safely and accurately use the Bluepoint alert system."
