Best Practices For Emergency Preparedness In Schools

Emergency Operation Plans are designed to provide clear guidance during emergencies. However, even the most well-developed EOP is ineffective if it’s not regularly reviewed, understood, and practiced as intended. I’ve come across real-world examples where, during a disaster, individuals didn’t know where to shelter in place, where all the exits were, or what the emergency protocols required. This highlights a critical gap—not in planning, but in training and awareness. Other important factors that contribute to an effective EOP include: ✅ Communication Plans: Ensuring everyone knows how information will be shared during an emergency. ✅ Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defining who does what before, during, and after an incident. ✅ Resource Availability: Knowing what supplies, equipment, and support are accessible and where they’re located. ✅ Accessibility and Inclusion: Making sure the plan addresses the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities or language barriers. ✅ Regular Drills and Exercises: Practicing scenarios to build muscle memory and confidence. An EOP only works when it’s actively integrated into day-to-day preparedness. Don’t let your plan sit on a shelf. Review it, train your teams, and conduct regular drills. The time to prepare is before the emergency.

Over the years of working in Protective Medicine and Executive Protection, I've put together a checklist that works for me, and may help you ensure your emergency response plans actually work when you need them most: 1️⃣ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀:  What could go wrong? Natural disasters? Medical emergencies? Security threats? Traumatic injuries? Write down potential scenarios and prioritize them. 2️⃣ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻: Who does what in an emergency? Assign roles based on skills and experience. Include everyone involved; this isn’t just for the "medical crew." 3️⃣ 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Regular drills! Practice makes better(not perfect)—who doesn’t want to be a pro under pressure? Invest time in training sessions focused on real-life scenarios RELEVANT to your operations. 4️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀: Check expiration dates on medical supplies.  Swap out equipment based on the environment that they are stored in. A roll of gauze or medical tape that sits in a medical bag in a vehicle constantly in the sun, will not hold up well as one kept in a temperature controlled office.  Update equipment based on changes in risks or team needs. 5️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀: What went well? What didn’t? Use these lessons to improve future plans. Don’t repeat mistakes! This may sound straightforward, but you'd be surprised how many organizations overlook these basics! If you're serious about safety, take some time to implement this checklist into your strategy today.  Whether it's for an event or general preparedness—it’s never too late to start building resilience! What steps are you currently taking to enhance your emergency response plans? Share below! 👇

School emergency plans vs. cognitive decision making under stress: We routinely see 80–125-page “emergency plans.” In a real incident while under stress, #schoolleaders, #schoolsecurity officials, and staff don’t have time to hunt through binders. Don't expect staff to remember the entire voluminous plan. Use the big plan for training and after-action. For in the moment of the incident, staff need: ✅ To make quick decisions (such as lock, evacuate, communicate) ✅ Communicate in plain-language and function as a team ✅ Preparation for such decision-making using discussions, scenarios, drills If your #schoolsafety plan requires a binder in the middle of a crisis, it’s likely not operational. 🔍 It's the planNING, not just the plan, that can help prepare for acting in the moment. 👉 Let’s align planning and training with how people actually think under stress.

Ep 35. Six evidence-based ways to prepare teachers for a school shooting Dr. Albert Spiegel discusses his dissertation "A Qualitative Study to Determine Teacher Self-Efficacy in Active Shooter Incidents in One Catholic Secondary School". Six recommendations: 1. Drilling is more than a repetition of predetermined steps. 2. Schools should dedicate time to drilling without students present. 3. Teachers need to physically attempt active shooter drills from each of their assigned classrooms.  4. Teachers should be given the opportunity to observe other teachers during drills. 5. Feedback must be given to teachers after each drill. 6. Communications is key in any emergency. Teachers must have the ability to send and receive information.