Med Sled Evacuation Devices Installation Complete

February 21st, 2020

HCPSS recently installed cabinets to house a Med Sled emergency evacuation device at every enclosed evacuation stairwell in all schools with multiple stories, with a total of 32 schools receiving 140 devices and cabinets. A Med Sled evacuation device helps transport individuals with mobility issues down stairs of a multi-floor building.

Training of staff from the schools has been completed, and school teams will now be able to incorporate the use of the evacuation device into their emergency drills.

“The safety of our staff and students will always remain our number one priority. Installing Med Sled devices was an important project for Howard County public schools as it addresses the emergency evacuation assistance needs for our students and staff with mobility issues,” said Director of Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response Thomas McNeal.

The Med Sled installation is part of HCPSS’ Office of Safety and Security’s five-year strategic plan. Additional completed school security enhancements include: buzz-in system locks at all high schools; and emergency repair work on malfunctioning perimeter doors, with support from the County. The Office of Safety and Security has also completed new Emergency Operations Plans (EOP), with system-level, school-specific and support facility plans. School administrators have received training on the EOPs, the new run/hide/fight industry standards and more, and bus drivers have gone through emergency response training.

Looking ahead, HCPSS has secured a Safe Schools Fund Grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety to begin replacing schools’ outdated visitor management systems, purchase two-way radios to meet standard school safety targets, provide multi-department threat assessment training and enhance community outreach.