A Guide to Safe Schools

Crisis Procedure Checklist

A crisis plan must address many complex contingencies. There should be a step-by-step procedure to use when a crisis occurs. An example follows:

__ Assess life/safety issues immediately.

__ Provide immediate emergency medical care.

__ Call 911 and notify police/rescue first. Call the superintendent second.

__ Convene the crisis team to assess the situation and implement the crisis response procedures.

__ Evaluate available and needed resources.

__ Alert school staff to the situation.

__ Activate the crisis communication procedure and system of verification.

__ Secure all areas.

__ Implement evacuation and other procedures to protect students and staff from harm. Avoid dismissing students to unknown care.

__ Adjust the bell schedule to ensure safety during the crisis.

__ Alert persons in charge of various information systems to prevent confusion and misinformation. Notify parents.

__ Contact appropriate community agencies and the school district's public information office, if appropriate.

__ Implement post-crisis procedures.

Back to Guide, Section 6

Last Updated: March 12, 2001