COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - Every second counts in emergencies, and when first responders don’t know basic information, like where to go, critical time is wasted.

That time becomes even more precious when kids are the ones who need help.

But a new tool will soon help law enforcement respond to crises at school.

As part of a larger effort to bolster school safety, the state is spending about $5 million, allocated in last year’s budget, to create digital maps of every public school in South Carolina to use in emergencies.

Their implementation was a major priority for State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, backed by the governor and General Assembly.

“Every second matters in the event of a crisis to neutralize whatever the threat is on campus and to secure students and staff, and so

See Full Page