Two-way radios are used often in K-12 schools because the technology offers durability, reliability and functionality. Radios work well in all emergency or safety situations to provide teachers, maintenance staff, administrators and transportation staff open lines of communication. Let’s explore why you might want to consider using two-way radios inside your school’s safety process.
Two-Way Radios Outperform Cell Phones
It’s a given that all school staff members place a heavy focus on student safety. In your attempts to follow through on safety plans, you should know that two-radios outshine cell phone use.
This is especially true if you happen to have a larger, sprawling campus with hills and trees. Cell coverage has a tendency to become spotty in these types of conditions.
On the other hand, two-way radio signals provide more complete coverage. Radios will also work in the event that a catastrophic event takes down cell phone towers.
Reach All Staff Immediately
Some situations require instant communication. Imagine a teacher or admin witnessing a fight between students. It takes precious seconds off the clock to grab a cell phone, scroll through the contact list, locate the correct number and then hope the person is available to take the call.
A two-way radio fixes the situation because the admin can use a feature called “Push to Talk”. This alerts everyone on the radio network that help is needed. The admin knows help is coming right away.
Use Radios When Driving
Schools use two-way radios to help bus drivers stay connected legally. The U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn’t allow drivers to use cell phones while a bus is in motion.
However, it’s legal to use two-way radios while driving. Schools are using this technology to better empower bus drivers to communicate emergency situations more effectively.
Schools Use Two-Way Radios for Reliability
These are situations commonly experienced when using a cell phone:
- Dropped calls
- Dead zones
- Lack of service
Your school can’t afford an emergency situation becoming worse because communication gets dropped at critical times.
Two-way radio technology offers a stronger reception with less possibility of losing a connection.
Schools Like the Longer Battery Life
More schools have realized that cell phones require frequent charging to keep batteries charged. This can become a detriment if an emergency situation arises at the very moment a key staff member’s phone requires charging.
Two-way radios have longer battery lives than cell phones and make for a more reliable school communication tool.
Schools are turning to two-way radios because it ensures more reliable communication. Consider equipping your school’s staff with a radio system. You should find that it’s a well-received idea and brings your campus together.
