School Preparedness Resources

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality School-Based Emergency Preparedness: A National Analysis and Recommended Protocol
This document provides a national model for school-based emergency response planning.  It provides guidance on the recommended steps for both creating and implementing a school-based emergency response plan. Steps outlined include performing needs assessments, conducting site surveys, developing training modules for school staff, and informing parents of the plan, as well as steps relating to building security and safety, preparation for large-scale emergencies, sheltering-in-place and lockdown, evacuation, relocation, and communications. Included with the guidance is a model school-based emergency response plan developed by the Brookline, Mass. school district in cooperation with the Center for Biopreparedness, the division of Harvard Medical School that prepared both sets of guidelines under contract to AHRQ.

American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
This organization developed “A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in our Schools”, which is downloadable from their website.

Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness
The State of Wisconsin has developed school preparedness programs including Student Emergency Response Teams (SERT) which targets high school and middle school students.   School Crisis Preparedness for teachers, school administrators and other citizen groups is also a focus.  The program provides insight into how youth can be incorporated into preparedness activities and disaster/emergency response. A schedule of upcoming education/training sessions with on-line registration capabilities is included.

Illinois School Board of Education: School Emergency & Crisis Response Plan Guide
This website outlines an all hazard preparedness guide for Illinois schools, including sample emergency operations plans and training videos.

National Association of School Nurses
This organization provides information on disaster preparedness related resources for schools and school nurses including a training curriculum.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network
This website includes a Checklist for Schools prepared in coordination with the U.S. Dept. of Education, to assist administrators and principals assess and address mental health issues and ensure the safety and well-being of students and school personnel before, during, and after an emergency. 

National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
This website contains a section on Disaster Preparedness for Schools with resources on retrofitting schools to withstand natural disasters and terrorism, developing emergency preparedness plans, and using school buildings to shelter community members during emergencies. 

National School Safety and Security Services
This website contains access to the document “School Security and Crisis Planning Strategies for Preventing and Responding to Terrorism.”