Metuchen Gets Money To Install Silent Panic Alarms In Schools

METUCHEN, NJ — Metuchen Public Schools will receive $128,387 to install silent "panic alarms" in schools, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Murphy signed legislation Wednesday approving $5.1 million from the "Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act" for school security projects across New Jersey. Also known as Alyssa's Law, the legislation is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, an ex-New Jersey resident who was one of 17 people killed in the Florida shooting at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.

This round of funding is earmarked for the "installation of silent panic alarms to alert law enforcement during an emergency as required by Alyssa's Law, as well as other school security upgrades," said the governor's office.

“The safety and well-being of students and educators across our state is one of our top priorities. By investing in school security, we are also investing in healthy and safe learning environments,” Murphy said. “This funding will help many schools make necessary security enhancements to their facilities.”

Primary sponsors of the legislation include Assemblymembers Roy Freiman, Angela V. McKnight, and Joe Danielsen, and Senator Paul A. Sarlo.

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