New York City, October 28, 2025
New York City has launched a pioneering pilot program aimed at enhancing emergency response rates in public schools. The new Emergency Alert System allows school staff to connect directly with 911 services, enabling prompts for help within 10 seconds during emergencies, including active shooter situations. Set to be tested in 25 buildings across all five boroughs during the 2025–2026 academic year, this initiative also includes audible and visual alerts to inform school staff of the alert and lockdown status, marking a significant step towards improved safety in schools.
New York City Launches Direct 911 Integration in Public Schools
New York City has initiated a pioneering pilot program to enhance emergency response times in public schools by directly connecting them to 911 services. This system aims to expedite assistance during active shooter situations and other weapon-related threats.
Program Details
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) enables school staff to alert 911 dispatchers within 10 seconds using fixed buttons and wireless lanyards. Once activated, the system bypasses the standard 911 call flow, providing real-time information to responders. Additionally, schools receive audible and visual indicators confirming the alert and lockdown status. The pilot will be implemented in 25 school buildings, encompassing 51 public schools across all five boroughs during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Background and Development
Developed by the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation, the EAS was created in response to the absence of existing commercial products capable of directly connecting schools to New York City’s 911 infrastructure. The system underwent extensive testing to ensure its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
National Context
Nationwide, there have been over 1,900 K-12 school shooting incidents between 2015 and September 2025, with peaks of 351 in 2023 and 336 in 2024. This underscores the critical need for rapid response systems in educational settings.
Additional Safety Measures
Beyond the EAS, New York City schools have implemented various safety protocols, including the Safer Access Program, which secures main entrances, and the presence of NYPD School Safety Agents in every school. These measures aim to create a comprehensive safety environment for students and staff.
Future Plans
The success of this pilot program may lead to broader adoption of the EAS across more schools, further enhancing the safety and security of New York City’s educational institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in New York City public schools?
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a pilot program that directly connects public schools to 911 services, allowing staff to alert dispatchers within 10 seconds using fixed buttons and wireless lanyards. This system aims to expedite emergency responses during active shooter situations and other weapon-related threats.
How many schools are participating in the EAS pilot program?
The pilot program will be implemented in 25 school buildings, encompassing 51 public schools across all five boroughs during the 2025–2026 academic year.
What additional safety measures are in place in New York City schools?
In addition to the EAS, New York City schools have implemented various safety protocols, including the Safer Access Program, which secures main entrances, and the presence of NYPD School Safety Agents in every school. These measures aim to create a comprehensive safety environment for students and staff.
What is the national context regarding school shootings?
Nationwide, there have been over 1,900 K-12 school shooting incidents between 2015 and September 2025, with peaks of 351 in 2023 and 336 in 2024. This underscores the critical need for rapid response systems in educational settings.
What are the future plans for the EAS program?
The success of this pilot program may lead to broader adoption of the EAS across more schools, further enhancing the safety and security of New York City’s educational institutions.
Key Features of the Emergency Alert System (EAS)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct 911 Integration | Allows school staff to alert 911 dispatchers within 10 seconds using fixed buttons and wireless lanyards. |
| Bypasses Standard Call Flow | Provides real-time information to responders by bypassing the standard 911 call flow. |
| Audible and Visual Indicators | Schools receive indicators confirming the alert and lockdown status. |
| Comprehensive Safety Measures | Includes the Safer Access Program and NYPD School Safety Agents in every school. |
| Nationwide Context | Addresses the critical need for rapid response systems amid over 1,900 K-12 school shooting incidents between 2015 and September 2025. |
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