Comprehensive School Safety Planning & Development
What do we mean when we say comprehensive school safety? Comprehensive school safety refers to preparedness strategies which address all hazards. Schools must consider all areas of school safety relevant to their site and community and remember to include representatives from each stakeholder group when creating a fully developed safety plan.
Mental & Behavioral Health
Strong mental and behavioral health resources and programs are critical to a safe school environment. Learn more about how community and school-based mental health providers, multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams, and mental & behavioral health resources can help ensure and enhance your school’s safety.
Featured Resources: National Association of School Psychologists | Suicide Prevention Resource Center | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | StopBullying.gov
Health & Wellness
From allergy care to trauma care, to spotting signs of abuse or neglect, to promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity, to stress management and self care, promoting the health and wellness of our school community can help us build healthier, safer, and more successful learning environments.
Featured Resources: Kids Health | National Association of School Nurses | CDC Healthy Schools | World Health Organization
Physical Safety & Security
Ensuring physical safety and security requires knowledge of building use, infrastructure & design, safety & security, impacts of weather & natural disaster, and the tools & technology available to help us. Learn more about creating naturally protective buildings and campuses to ensure the safety of your school community.
Featured Resources: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design | National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments | Partner Alliance for Safer Schools
Culture, Climate & Community
Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential to the safety and success of a school community. Explore resources and programs that foster understanding, build relationships, and strengthen your school’s culture, climate & community engagement.
Featured Resources: Jesse Lewis Choose Love | Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety | National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments
Leadership, Law & Policy
Maintaining school safety includes adhering to federal, state and local laws and regulations. In this section, explore resources to help your school community stay current and compliant with codes and laws such as FERPA, ADA, fire, and IDEA, and plan for the continual costs associated with keeping current for safety.
Featured Resources: FERPA | School Safety Law Blog | Lock Don’t Block | Americans with Disabilities Act | PASS Guidelines and Resources | National Fire Protection Association
Operations & Emergency Management
The policies, protocols, and practices that support safety in day-to-day activity through times of crisis are the cornerstones of school safety. From bus safety to reunification, and prevention through recovery, learn more about how strong operations and emergency management build a safer school community.
Featured Resource: NFPA 3000™ | FEMA PrepTalks: Rethinking School Safety | National Association of School Resource Officers | The Standard Response Protocol & The Standard Reunification Method
In order for you to be an effective safety leader in your school community, you must understand all the areas encompassing school safety. Rethink school safety by using the comprehensive school safety model to help you assess, plan and develop, and audit safety solutions.
