VoIP is the future of communication. This can include connecting students, faculty, and all staff together. You may have noticed talk that more people are moving away from the old bell and paging systems. This is because VoIP has given a new dimension to the way we can communicate.  Not only does it save time, it also creates a broader space for communication. What we mean is that VoIP is accessible from any geographic location, from any device, and by any internet connection. It’s easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and much more effective.

However, the big question we face is: Are the systems we are currently using in our educational institutions effective in protecting the students and the faculty? 

That’s what we wanted to discuss today! Keep reading to find out our professional insight of this matter, as we are extremely hands on with this scope of work and understand the criticality of it.  

Let’s start with Kari’s Law. This is a law that came about after the Kari murder incident. 

The story goes that she was brutally killed in her hotel room in 2013. However, there were multiple attempts by her daughter to dial 9-1-1, and they all failed. It was later determined that if her daughter had been able to reach emergency services, Kari would have survived the attack. Could you imagine? 

So, on February 16, 2018 Kari’s Law was signed into federal law. The law is designed to ensure that anyone, anywhere can reach emergency services and that critical location data is provided with that call.

February 16, 2020 – Kari’s Law  is in effect requires the following on all new / upgraded systems:

• Direct access to 9-1-1 without an access code.
• Routing to the 9-1-1 PSAP (public safety answer point) with no interception.
• On-site notification to staff of who dialed 9-1-1.

Following that unfortunate event, the law was introduced, and required compliance of the law was made mandatory to avoid future mishaps. Many schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are slowly switching to the new system, complying with Kari’s Law. 

Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act clearly state that all multi-line phone systems in the U.S. (like those found in hotels, schools, and offices) have to enable direct dial to 9-1-1, direct routing to a 911 center, and there should be on-site notification of a 9-1-1 call which includes a detailed “dispatch-able location” to minimize the response time. The law which was signed in 2018, started going into effect on February 16, 2020. 

It is vital for us to familiarize ourselves with these laws and their potential impact.

Kari’s Law is now transforming how emergency communications are made by mandating that public safety be built into every aspect of a telephone system. Kari’s Law makes it so that every person can easily call for help, and be easily located by emergency services. 

In just the last few years there have been some unfortunate incidents happening in our schools. These surprising and shocking events can take place in any educational institution. The better we can be prepared, the safer our students and staff will be. More and more, you’ll see that schools and educational institutions are now requested to adapt new communication systems. Compliance issues that may have existed in telecommunication systems that are being replaced are now becoming strictly followed. 

There are a number of service providers out there who can install new systems in institutions. Depending upon your budget and facilities offered, you can choose the best option and ensure safety for your kids. Veragy is a consulting firm that helps you right size your organization needs and the best technology solutions, as we truly want what is best for your organization and the students that you serve. 

What do you think of these new compliance laws in our technology? Did you know about The Kari’s Law? Let us know! For more information on technology, and VoIP for education please follow us please follow us on social media on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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