Push for 'panic button' app at every Washington school

EVERETT, Wash. — There's a push to make a "panic button" emergency alert system available at every school in Washington.

The Everett School District is one of eight in Snohomish County using the system.

The app called Rave launched a few years back and now supporters are appealing to the state legislature.

They want the technology that can be downloaded onto a cellphone accessible at every school statewide.

The app basically allows teachers to press a button on their mobile phones during an emergency. It immediately notifies 911, first responders and other school staff of everything from an active shooter to a fire.

According to the Everett Herald, the Everett School District makes about 300 calls on the app a year, mostly for medical reasons.

The idea to use the app came about after the Marysville Pilchuck High School shooting.  Parents KIRO 7 talked to then said it's a good thing.

“It's amazing. I think it's incredible how much technology is improving. If we can be test subjects for this new app, I am all for it,” said parent Erika Ouderkirk.

In 2013, the state gave $250,000 in grant money to help get the app going.

Currently, it's being used in Everett, along with Arlington, Lakewood, Marysville, Monroe, Snohomish, Stanwood and Sultan.

The app is not available to the public.

Cox Media Group