Emergency Response in Under 10 Seconds: Real School Safety Stories from a Texas School
When it comes to school safety, every second counts — and sometimes, it’s the difference between order and chaos, harm and safety.
For Melissa ISD’s Chief of Police and a Texas School Safety Center instructor, Chris Fontana, the 10-second mark isn’t just a target. It’s non-negotiable. “In an emergency, speed is everything. If I can get the right help to the right place in under 10 seconds, I can change the outcome,” says Chief Fontana. “That’s what this technology makes possible.”
The CENTEGIX CrisisAlert Badge
Why 10 Seconds Matters
Emergencies in schools are unpredictable — medical incidents, fights, suspicious activity, or intruders. The traditional model of dialing 911 or using a classroom intercom is too slow, requiring staff to either leave their students or navigate multiple steps.
With the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, any staff member can discreetly trigger an alert from a wearable badge and within seconds:
Alerts go directly to administrators, law enforcement, and first responders.
Digital maps show exactly where the incident is happening.
District-specific protocols and response can be enacted instantly.
No fumbling for a phone. No delays. Just immediate action.
A Melissa ISD Moment That Proved the Point
Earlier this year, a Melissa ISD staff member noticed a student experiencing medical distress. Rather than calling the office and waiting for help, they triple-clicked their CrisisAlert badge. Within moments, the campus nurse, school administrator, and on-site police were at the scene.
Chief Fontana recalls, “From the time the button was pressed to the time my team was notified was under 10 seconds, and on-site with the student in under a minute. That speed gave us the ability to stabilize the situation before it escalated.
Technology Meets Service
The system isn’t just about the device — it’s about the people behind it. FiveStones Safety partners with districts to:
Develop custom communications to users and the community.
Train all staff on when and how to use the alert system.
Coordinate with local law enforcement for seamless response.
Keep the system tested and operational year-round.
Chief Fontana notes, “Working with a trusted partner like FiveStones Safety made all the difference. They weren’t just selling us a product — they stood shoulder to shoulder with my team through training, rollout, and ongoing support. That partnership gave me confidence that this system would truly protect our students and staff.”
Texas School Safety Month: Why Now Is the Time
September is Texas School Safety Month, a time for districts to evaluate readiness and strengthen emergency protocols. It’s also a reminder that response times can be measured and improved with the right technology and trusted partners in place.
Chief Fontana’s advice to other districts is straightforward: “Don’t wait for a close call to find out if your response time is good enough. Test it now — and if it’s not under 10 seconds, it’s too slow.”
Every Second Counts in a Crisis
When speed matters, relying on app-based emergency response solutions can put students and staff at risk. In fact, most app-based systems cannot meet the critical 10-second response time that schools need. Please read our blog: 8 Limitations of App-Based Emergency Response to see why schools are moving to faster, more reliable wearable solutions.
Learn more about finding value in your Silent Panic Alarm Technology through everyday emergency use.
