Crises have the potential to impact every student and staff member in a school, and despite strong prevention efforts, they can still occur. Effective planning, however, enables a rapid, coordinated, and efficient response when a crisis arises. While preparing requires an investment of time and resources, the ability to reduce injuries and save lives far outweighs the costs.
The EPA notes that it is often impractical for schools to work in isolation with emergency responders and local agencies. Establishing clear district and school roles early is essential to ensure effective collaboration.
Action Steps
- Set a realistic timeline: Developing a comprehensive crisis plan cannot be rushed. Allow sufficient time to gather information, draft the plan, and involve the right personnel.
- Identify participants: Determine who should be involved in creating the crisis plan. Assign responsibilities and break the process into manageable steps to ensure thorough development.
The following sections will outline additional steps to consider when creating a school crisis plan.