How Schools Can Improve Safety With Walkie-Talkies

Teachers and other school staff carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Maintaining the safety and security of hundreds of children is no easy task. But walkie-talkies are the perfect tool for improving safety and making the job of school staff much easier.

In this article, we discuss a few of the benefits of using walkie-talkies to help create a safe and secure school environment. But first, we discuss some of the areas where a two-way radio solution can be used in the education sector.

How can schools use walkie-talkies

A two-way radio solution can ease the burden on school staff in a huge range of ways. They are a versatile tool that provides instant one-to-one or one-to-many communication. This makes them perfect for purposes that include:

• Keeping security staff in contact with each other and other relevant parties
• Helping teachers co-ordinate school trips and outings
• They can make sure that first responders and medical staff are instantly contactable
• Fire alarm co-ordination
• Administrators and receptionists have instant contact with colleagues and managers
• Co-ordinating events like sports days and school parties

With such a wide range of practical and safety-enhancing uses, walkie-talkies for the Education sector should be at the top of every school’s procurement requirements.

Benefits of Walkie-talkies in the Education Sector

Education establishments of any type can all benefit from the use of walkie-talkies. As previously mentioned, there are hundreds of potential uses for two-way radios in schools and colleges. Here are just a few of the many reasons that walkie-talkies are the perfect communications solution for schools:

Instant and Crystal-Clear Communication

Just press the push-to-talk button, and communication channels are open! This might be to speak to a single colleague or to broadcast a message to an entire team. This versatility and simplicity are at the heart of what makes two-way radios the perfect communication tool.

Compare this “one-click” approach to alternatives like mobile phones, where numbers have to be dialled, calls answered, etc., and the differences are immediately apparent. In time-critical situations, the seconds and minutes saved here can make all the difference.

The clarity of the message is also an essential factor to consider. Modern two-way radios deliver here too. Both digital and analogue models offer crystal clear sound, but for absolute clarity, the digital option is a better choice.

Two-way radios are a cost-effective communications solution for schools

There are no hidden fees or contracts to consider when you purchase a set of Motorola walkie-talkies for a school. Once the radios are purchased, that is the end of the expense!

This is a great cost-cutting exercise on its own. But there is also the price of the walkie-talkies to consider. Many people are surprised by just how little good walkie-talkies cost, especially when compared to smartphones. As an example, a pack of six Motorola T82 Extreme is perfect for use in schools and costs less than the price of a mid-range smartphone.

Reliable, Long-lasting, and Robust

Walkie-talkies are built to work in difficult environments and are robust enough to cope with the most ham-fisted of users. This means that even on the wettest of sports days, walkie-talkies will continue to work.

It should be noted that not all walkie-talkies are designed to withstand water and dust ingress. If the walkie-talkies are to be used in such circumstances, look for radios that have been IP55 rated.

An excellent example of this is the Motorola XT420 walkie-talkie. This is built to exacting standards and designed to keep working in the harshest of circumstances. So if you need walkie-talkies for the next school wilderness hike, these are a perfect choice.

What to Consider When Buying Walkie-talkies for Schools

There is a huge range of walkie-talkies to consider when buying walkie-talkies for school use. There are options to suit all budgets, but there are a few things to consider before pressing that “Buy now” button.

UHF or VHF

There are advantages and disadvantages for both these, and one, in particular, has a definite bearing when choosing for school use. Here is a brief description of both options and why one may be the best choice for schools.

• VHF two-way radios – VHF radios offer a longer range using less power. But for schools, they may not be the best option. The problem is that VHF has less penetration power; therefore, the signal is easily blocked by obstacles like buildings and walls.
• UHF two-way radios – These don’t have the range of VHF radios, but they do work better in built-up areas and within buildings.

Licensed or License-free

Licensed radios have more functionality and features, but in just about every case, license-free radios are perfect for use within schools and other educational establishments.

Range

For normal school use within the campus or playing fields, then the range isn’t really a consideration. Most handsets will provide adequate power to work effectively in all but the largest of buildings. If you need to communicate across large distances or separate buildings within a campus, then consider models with a longer range.

This also applies if you intend to use the radios for outdoor activities such as cross-country runs or wilderness adventures. If you are unsure about what range is best, then the experts at Walkie Talkie Solutions will be delighted to help.

Waterproof and Dustproof

If the radios are intended for indoor use only then, this won’t be a consideration. But if the walkie-talkies are intended for use like sports days, at the swimming pool, and other outdoor activities, then always opt for radios that are certified as waterproof and dustproof.

Conclusion

Walkie-talkies are a cost-effective communication tool for schools that are versatile enough to have numerous uses. They also make the jobs of staff and teachers much easier while adding to the security of the children and students.

Contact us today to find out more about how every school can benefit from walkie-talkies.