The landscape of school safety has transformed dramatically in recent years, with technology now playing a pivotal role in protecting our most vulnerable populations. In this powerful episode of GAEL UnscriptED, host Ben Wiggins sits down with Mary Ford and Jay Floyd from CENTEGIX to explore how their innovative CrisisAlert™ system is revolutionizing emergency response in Georgia’s schools.

The conversation opens with a discussion of Alyssa’s Law—named after Parkland victim Alyssa Alhadeff—which requires schools to implement panic alert systems that provide instant notification and precise location details to first responders. For the 90% of Georgia’s public K-12 schools already using CENTEGIX, compliance with this legislation comes built-in.

But this episode goes far beyond active shooter scenarios. Ford and Floyd share compelling real-world stories of medical emergencies where CENTEGIX technology may have saved lives—from custodians experiencing seizures in storage closets to teachers having health episodes in parking lots. Last year alone, CENTEGIX recorded over 265,000 alerts, with more than 60% occurring outside the classroom, underscoring the importance of full campus coverage.

Listeners will also gain practical, actionable advice. The discussion covers Blueprint Mapping technology that gives first responders interactive facility maps, best practices for staff training, and tips for keeping systems regularly tested and up to date. Ford and Floyd emphasize the importance of training frequency, designating mapping administrators, and communicating safety measures to the community—providing school leaders with a clear roadmap to maximize their safety infrastructure.

Whether you are a superintendent, principal, safety director, or educator, this episode offers crucial insights and inspiration. As Jay Floyd asks, “Do you love them enough to do whatever it takes to make sure everybody’s safe?” For Georgia schools partnering with CENTEGIX, the answer is a resounding “yes.”