Hoke County schools take safety precautions with mobile app

Tuesday, August 21, 2018
RAEFORD, NC (WTVD) -- Hoke County schools are taking a new approach to saving student lives if an active shooter enters a building.

They're using a phone app designed to bridge the communication gap between 911 and teachers on the grounds within seconds.
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"Instantly, the minute that it's pressed, everyone on campus will get it just like that. Including 911," said Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin.

It's a scenario, Peterkin said he hopes students in Hoke Schools never encounter, but one that was a close call in Arkansas when a student brought a gun to school. The app helped 911 communicate with staffers.
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"As they identified the suspect, they sent a message. As they took the suspect into custody, they sent a message. They finally lifted the lockdown, they were able to send another message, said RAVE mobile safety COO Todd Miller.

" It definitely gives you some type of order in a very tragic situation," teacher Ervin Everett said.
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