Alarm protection for schools
A Staffordshire company has introduced new alarm technology ahead of a law which would see schools having to be more prepared for terror attacks.
‘Martyn’s Law’ (also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill requires a range of premises to be better prepared and ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack. It’s intended to improve security and preparedness across the UK. It follows a campaign for change by Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack. He was one of 22 people who died in the May 2017 bombing.
Under the law, schools and colleges would need reliable communication systems to alert staff and students to a potential threat including alarms specifically.
The full impact of Martyn’s Law, would be felt by the educational sector, because elements of the law would form part of the Ofsted inspection process. Ofsted inspectors would require schools to demonstrate that their lockdown alert sounds different than their fire alarm as one requires evacuation, and the other is for a place of safety to be found on site.*
That’s where Hanley based Fifteen Group’s product comes in. The Alertex* units look and sound different to most fire alarms and are an easy to install lockdown system.
Alertex is a range of battery powered alert units that can be easily installed without the need for cabling. There are two variants:
• Sounder/Beacons – 32 alert sounds to choose from so you can always ensure it’s different from the fire alarm system and instantly recognisable to everyone.
• Annunciator – this is the version that produces a spoken lockdown warning only.
Each device works as its own repeater so when one is activated, it will trigger all units within range to give a site wide alert.
Fifteen Group Director Martin Graham said: “The Bill requires those responsible for premises and events to take steps to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce harm in the event of a terrorist attack occurring. That means schools, colleges and places of worship would increasingly need to have a lockdown alert system in place to protect everyone when responding to an external threat.
Fifteen Group can make sure they are prepared. Alertex units both look and sound different to most fire alarms and increasingly schools and places of worship are looking to
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install an easy lockdown system in response to external factors and this product does exactly that.”
*’Martyn’s Law’ legislation has cleared the House of Lords and now heads back to the House of Commons for MPs to consider amendments made before going for royal assent.
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