Safety & Wellness Segment

School Safety Assessments: It Is Never Too Early To Start Planning

Submitted by Barbara Grimm, Founder and President of School Responder, and C.J. Huff, Ed.D.

School leaders must ensure they have appropriate safety policies, procedures, and mitigation strategies in place to provide a safe learning environment for students. Having a designated group of trained personnel conduct building safety assessments and frequently review these safety measures is an essential first step in creating a climate and culture of safety in your schools.

During site assessments, staff examine both buildings and school grounds. It is vital to assess the level of accessibility for all students, staff, and visitors. Access to emergency vehicles should also be taken into account. Following state laws and regulations helps to standardize these assessments and ensure schools are similarly equipped to be prepared during an emergency.

Furthermore, familiarity with a school's climate, culture, needs, and characteristics helps safety personnel to address specific risks or hazards associated with their school. Knowing these factors – which can range from extreme weather to violence – allows them to tailor an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to their school's particular circumstances. Additionally, exercises and drills carried out by students and staff provide valuable insight into the feasibility and viability of current safety procedures. Employing reporting systems also offers useful information schools can utilize to learn about common risks or concerning behaviors within the school community. Encouraging students to engage in these systems gives school staff a firsthand look into what gaps safety policies may have and how to account for these shortcomings in new safety measures.

With the school year coming to a close, the summer months provide the perfect opportunity to make school safety a priority. Learn more about tools and strategies to support you in your efforts here.