A 2015 RAND Corporation study about improving U.S. school safety strongly recommends investments in crisis communications strategies, comprehensive school safety plans, improved tip lines, and improved upkeep of technology.
Note that “crisis communications” is at the top of the list.
When it comes to losing control in a crisis, where the safety of students and staff is imperative, schools can’t afford to be complacent. Schools without a comprehensive crisis communication plan in place must not delay. Those schools with one already in place should regularly review it, practice it, and update the plan, as threats and communications technologies continue to evolve.
Why is crisis communications planning so important?
In addition to clear and concise communication, a proactive, well-organized emergency response plan will give parents and students peace of mind, reduce progress-inhibiting panic in the event of an emergency, and act as a deterrent to future incidents of crisis.
Some tips to get started
Step 1. Identify threats and hazards
The first step in creating a safer environment is to review the school’s current safety parameters and policies and gather incident reports, security breaches, and other troublesome occurrences. This will provide a baseline to make improvements. Most schools have adopted an emergency plan (often state mandated), so review what is now in place.
Step 2. Identify public concerns
Conduct a survey of your community regarding areas of safety concerns, and include staff, parents, law enforcement and community leaders.
Step 3. Form a planning team
Assemble a planning committee of staff (including a wide range of personnel like administrators, teachers, school psychologists, nurses, facilities personnel, transportation personnel, etc.). Include student and parent representatives as well as representatives from organizations that represent the interests of those with disabilities, minorities, and religious organizations. This will assure that you include a variety of concerns.
Next, invite community partners like first-responders, local law enforcement officers, school resource officers, fire officials, mental health practitioners, and emergency medical services personnel. Share the results of the public concerns survey and ask about their safety concerns. The team’s task will be to create goals and objectives to meet the needs identified.
Step 4. Create the plan
The next phase is to plan a course of action for each threat or hazard identified (natural hazards, technological hazards, biological hazards, adversarial and human-caused threats), and identify the school’s course of action for each situation. Then format the plan. Consider using the FEMA Guide to Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans. This extensive guide can walk school officials through the complete crisis plan development process.
Sonitrol Great Lakes has been protecting schools in the Midwest region for more than 50 years. Let us help you take the necessary steps towards creating safer schools, beginning with a no-obligation security consultation. Contact us to learn more.