School Crisis Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to equip school leaders with recommendations of what can be done before, during, and after an incident to prevent and mitigate school violence. There is no “right way” of preventing and responding to school violence as every community is unique. Each checklist contains links to vetted resources. School leaders are encouraged to share this information key stakeholders.
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Read ArticleUse an anonymous reporting system or tip line
All districts should establish reporting systems to be used by staff, students and families that provide anonymity.
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Read ArticleEstablish a district and school safety committee comprised of a myriad of key stakeholders
A district level safety committee should meet at least quarterly to create, reflect upon, and update district safety plans.
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Read ArticleUpdate safety plan regularly and train all staff on its contents
The district/school safety plan should be collaboratively updated at least annually by the safety committee.
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Read ArticleDevelop relationships with local first responders
Districts and school sites should develop relationships with local first responders, including law enforcement, fire department, and Emergency Medical Technicians.
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Read ArticleConduct lockdown drills, at least once annually, that include all staff. Empower all staff to call a lockdown
Lockdown drills should be scheduled year round with a set approach that staff is familiar with, starting at the beginning of the school year.
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Read ArticleImplement 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.
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Read ArticleCreate 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.
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Read ArticleConduct regular security assessments of your school facilities
Security assessments of each facility in a district can be overwhelming and expensive.
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Read ArticleEstablish several possible reunification locations and coordinate with those entities
Like any emergency, a reunification process must be planned prior to any event.
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Read ArticleEnsure 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.
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Read ArticleCreate 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.
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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.
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Read ArticleCall a lockdown
Immediately call a lockdown and follow the same process used in your drills. Utilize the intercom or communication system to announce the lockdown school-wide.
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Read ArticleCall 911
As soon as an emergency situation is identified, either directly call or designate someone to call 911.
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Read ArticleEstablish incident command center
As soon as it is practicable, establish your incident command center and begin operationalizing your School Emergency Response Plan.
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Read ArticleCommunicate with families, media, and other stakeholders
Be sure to communicate with parents and key stakeholders so they receive accurate information from you.
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Read ArticleIdentify a relocation site, and communicate information to families
In the event of a large-scale emergency, your local law enforcement will likely step in and help you ascertain the relocation site that will be used.
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Read ArticleImplement 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.
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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.
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Read ArticleContinue crisis communications with all stakeholders
In the aftermath of an incident, communication is critically important.
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