School Emergency Plan Template

Administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students must work together to promote and maintain school-wide safety and minimize the effects of emergencies and other dangerous situations. Natural disasters and other types of emergencies can strike at any time. For this reason, school staff should be prepared with an evacuation plan and procedures, to handle them safely and effectively.

Students, faculty, and administrators can prepare themselves for emergencies at school in several ways, from conducting regular, emergency-specific drills to making sure the building’s infrastructure is up to code.

Getting your school prepared for emergencies

Earthquakes at school

• Consider the buildings.
• Secure furniture.
• Create a cache of emergency supplies.
• Drop, cover, and hold on.
• Hold earthquake drills and practice evacuation plans.
• Be prepared for search and rescue.

Fires at school

• Plan ahead.
• Ensure safety in all areas.
• Display school blueprints.
• Choose a meeting place.
• Give clear instructions.
• Practice fire drills and encourage home drills.
• Follow all wildfire recommendations.

Hurricanes at school

• Communicate well to create an action plan and have a plan for building protection.
• Understand insurance coverage.
• Plan for students to help with recovery.

Tornadoes at school

• Create a plan with the safest location.
• Stay informed.

Terrorist threats and Active Shooters Events at school

• Prepare the building.
• Prepare for evacuation and lockdown.
• Have regular drills.
• Maintain a good alert system and strong communication.