Starting this year, Fluvanna schools are implementing the CENTEGIX system to protect and keep students safe. FCHS schools now have SafetyAlert devices installed in classrooms, as well as a new system to alert staff and students of threats, as well as manage visitors to the school.

According to a recent press release by Fluvanna County Public Schools (FCPS), all staff must now wear badges that can allow them to request support from anywhere on campus. SafetyAlert does not require Wi-Fi or a cellular signal, and can be used in two ways. In a staff alert, a staff member pushes a button on the bottom of their badge to request support, which will immediately alert specific school responders and provide a map of the school to show who needs support and their location.

In a campus-wide alert, the CENTEGIX SafetyAlert devices installed in classrooms will work to notify everyone on campus to get to a secure and safe location. This alert uses audio and visual notifications to communicate the emergency. Strobe lights will flash and beep in rooms and hallways, instructional messages are displayed on devices connected to the school’s network, and an intercom message is relayed.

Purple lights mean students are required to stay in classrooms and are not allowed in the halls, but teaching may continue. Blue lights mean all students must stay inside the school. Red lights mean a complete lockdown, and all students are required to remain out of sight, silent, and hidden in a locked classroom. Green lights mean everyone on campus must evacuate the building (fire, gas leak, etc.). Orange lights mean everyone must take shelter (weather or earthquake).

The system also requires visitors and guests to scan their ID and print a badge. At the same time, the system will perform a sexual offender check.

According to the press release, FCPS is open to any questions or concerns regarding the new safety procedures. More information can be found at fluco.org.