-
Read ArticleIdentify a crisis command center
To ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, schools and school districts should create comprehensive, multi-hazard emergency management plans.
-
Read Article
Create a crisis response box that includes maps, keys, student and staff emergency cards, and medical information
Many schools have found it helpful to create a crisis response box that is shared with a local police/sheriff’s department.
-
Read Article
Ensure students have access to mental health professionals
Preparing for emergencies and response to crisis means working with mental health professionals and staff to identify signs of possible issues and then planning for responses.
-
Read Article
Establish several possible reunification locations and coordinate with those entities
Like any emergency, a reunification process must be planned prior to any event.
-
Read Article
Conduct regular security assessments of your school facilities
Security assessments of each facility in a district can be overwhelming and expensive.
-
Read ArticleScrutinize vendors offering free services
After an incident, a wide array of vendors will offer services that sound attractive, including public relations, facility, and counseling services.
-
Read Article
Create a crisis communication plan that includes specific roles, guidelines, and messaging
All schools are required to have a comprehensive safety plan with specific roles and guidelines reviewed by stakeholders on an annual basis.
-
Read Article
Schedule events to honor tragedies and those who passed
It is important to honor the grieving process in the aftermath of a tragedy.
-
Read Article
Conduct school community follow up meetings
Develop a plan to share information with families and community members.
-
Read Article
Identify relief resources
Reach out to your insurance company as quickly as possible.
-
Read Article
Implement research based social emotional learning programs that foster positive campus climate
Research shows a direct correlation between strong SEL programs and reduced behavioral issues with students.
-
Read Article
Debrief the event with key decision-makers on lessons learned, utilizing an after action report
An after action report is a structured review and debrief process.
-
Read Article
Engage counsel to prepare for legal issues that may arise
Before beginning any press conferences, bring in your district counsel.
-
Read Article
Immediately after the incident, consider whether to repair, relocate or rebuild the facility
Time is of the essence.
-
Read Article
Provide Human Resources support
Staff will require ongoing long and short term support after a major incident.
-
Read Article
Deploy mental health and bereavement professionals, and social workers
It is important to deploy mental health and bereavement professionals, and social workers to provide short and long-term support.
-
Read Article
Conduct meeting as promptly as possible with all staff
Staff must be informed of key information in a confidential staff meeting.
-
Read Article
Continue crisis communications with all stakeholders
In the aftermath of an incident, communication is critically important.
-
Read ArticleContact local and regional partners, including mental health providers
It is important to reach out to known mental health providers or partners as soon as possible after a school crisis.
-
Read Article
Implement reunification plan
The goal with reunification is to safely bring families together. The reality of a fatal school violence event is you may have students or staff that are casualties of the event.
-
Loading More...
ACSA
