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New Safety Hotline Coming To Suffolk County Schools

YAPHANK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A new safety system will soon be available to schools and colleges in Suffolk County, so they can establish immediate contact with police if a person with a gun enters the building.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported Saturday morning, the SAVE Emergency Hotline works in two ways – using both panic buttons and telephone receivers that can be placed throughout schools and colleges.

New Safety Hotline Coming To Suffolk County Schools

No school or college is required to participate, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

But he said if they do participate, the system will cost a few hundred dollars to install, and staff members will be trained on what to do if a person with a gun enters the building.

"You pick up that phone, it immediately dials. You don't have to dial a number," Bellone said. "It immediately dials and connects you directly, not to a 911 operator, but the supervisor at the 911 communication center."

And if the hotline is used, the alarm will sound at the county 911 center.

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