A school safety exercise complete with live rounds was fired inside the hallways of Marietta High School. The district held a demonstration this week of their recently installed survival technology.
The “Go To Green” technology is unique because it responds to the sound of live gunfire which activates a color system that is used in everyday life.
The sound of a gunshot is something noon ever wants to hear inside a school hallway. However, the demonstration put on by the “Go To Green” creator Ernie Williams was an exception.
It was meant to simulate a safety threat.
The sensors in the hallways lit up to indicate where the threat was located. Lights inside classrooms and an app alerted staff, school resource officers and local police.
Green LED lights indicate safe pathways or exits.
“Green means go, red means no,” said Chief Brett Harris, Marietta Police Department. “So, it’s pretty simple for kids to understand.”
Marietta police were on hand to ensure safety during the exercise. They showed how a gun suppressor can trigger the system.
Williams said he created the technology without sounds to prevent confusion during emergency situations.
“We’re talking about people’s most prized possessions, and you know it’s our job to keep them safe and secure,” said Chad Hance, Cache Public Schools Superintendent.
Hance said he is considering more security for Cache Public Schools after the recent shooting at Pauls Valley High School.
“There’s not a superintendent in the state that doesn’t wake up every morning with that fear of something like that happening in their school,” said Hance. “So, you know it’s our, we do our due diligence to try new things you know? Research what’s best for our district.”
Marietta is the first district in the state to install the “Go To Green” survival technology.
Another live demonstration is scheduled for June 17 at Marietta High School for state lawmakers and superintendents.
