South Carolina rolls out digital mapping system for public school emergency response

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced a partnership with Critical Response Group, Inc. (CRG) to provide every public K-12 school in the state with an up-to-date digital map. The initiative aims to improve emergency response times by giving first responders access to detailed building layouts during crises.

Access to these digital maps will be limited to law enforcement and emergency management partners, according to SCDE. The technology includes a gridded reference system, high-resolution imagery, floor plans, and key structural features both inside and outside each building. Each map is custom-built for every floor of a structure and integrates information such as room labels, hallway identifiers, external access points, stairwell numbers, and utility locations. The maps are designed for use on smart devices so that first responders can quickly coordinate their efforts.

Critical Response Group will visit every public school in South Carolina to create the maps. The project is expected to be completed by early 2026.

State Superintendent Ellen Weaver said: “Protecting the safety of our students, teachers, and school staff must remain our top priority. This mapping project harnesses state-of-the-art technology to equip our first responders with accurate information when minutes matter and lives are on the line. I’m deeply grateful to the Governor and General Assembly for their partnership which has made this possible. We now look forward to working closely with our law enforcement and first responder partners to successfully deploy and integrate this vital new safety tool.”

Governor Henry McMaster added: “Our children are our state’s most valuable resource and the key to our future prosperity. Together, we have made great progress in ensuring their safety in the classroom, and now, with the use of digital safety maps, we are taking another important step to strengthen preparedness and protect our students, teachers, and staff.”

Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County stated: “School safety is a number one priority for everyone. The school mapping program secured by Superintendent Weaver is a game changer. The mapping allows all public safety to have immediate access to current information on school facilities. In a critical incident seconds could be the difference between life or death. This program could save lives.”

Sheriff Cambo Streater of Chesterfield County said: “I would like to thank Superintendent Weaver for acquiring funding for critical incident mapping of South Carolina schools. This will positively affect all our schools and will help create a communications tool that will enhance first responders’ ability to respond to an emergency.”