When an emergency strikes, clear communication isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline. Schools have long relied on lockdown drills, evacuation routes and safeguarding plans, but Martyn’s Law is making one thing clear: every second counts, and every person needs to know what to do.
That’s why many education leaders are now focusing on mass alert systems – technologies that deliver instant, multi-channel communication across a school or trust. These systems aren’t about adding complexity; they’re about ensuring calm, clarity and coordination when it matters most.
Why communication often fails in an emergency
Even well-prepared schools can find that their emergency procedures fall short under pressure. The issue isn’t usually the plan – it’s the communication.
Too often, schools rely on methods that simply can’t deliver the speed or reach required:
- Whistles or megaphones that can’t be heard across multiple buildings
- Emails sent during an unfolding incident
- Alerts that don’t reach everyone, or lack clear instruction
- Paper-based plans that exist only on a shelf
These aren’t bad intentions – they’re outdated tools. A real emergency demands more than noise; it demands connection.
What good looks like: guide, shelter, communicate
Schools preparing under Martyn’s Law are moving toward the “response” approach – guide, shelter, communicate. It’s a simple principle that saves lives:
- Guide everyone quickly to a safe place using pre-defined procedures.
- Shelter effectively by knowing when to stay put and when to move.
- Communicate instantly and clearly through every available channel.
This means systems capable of sending sound, text and visual alerts simultaneously – reaching classrooms, playgrounds and admin offices in seconds. And importantly, it means practice. Plans must be tested, refined and inclusive, taking into account students with sensory or additional needs.
Building resilience with the right infrastructure
A mass alert system is only as effective as the network it runs on. Without resilient connectivity, even the best software can fail when it’s needed most.
That’s where Glide comes in. With decades of experience delivering secure, reliable connectivity across the UK, Glide provides the digital backbone that keeps these systems running – seamlessly, securely and at scale.
- Reliable Wi-Fi and voice networks that keep communication flowing, even during high-traffic moments.
- Smart integrations that connect alert systems, access control, CCTV and digital signage.
- Scalable infrastructure that supports multiple buildings or sites across a trust without signal loss.
- Expert support to help schools design, test and maintain their emergency communication plans.
Together, these tools ensure that when an alert is triggered, it reaches everyone – instantly and reliably.
Moving from compliance to confidence
Martyn’s Law will bring new expectations, but the aim is simple: make every school a safer place. Implementing a modern mass communication system isn’t just about compliance – it’s about confidence. It means knowing that your staff can react fast, your students are informed, and your community can trust that you’re prepared.
Glide helps schools turn connection into protection – keeping everyone safe, informed and ready to respond.
