Crisis Management Planning Dr. Russ Claxton Dr. Sam Smith Liberty University

A review of state, district, and school level safety and emergency management plans

One of the most difficult aspects of running a school

School Safety vs. Emergency Management

School Safety Preparing for the Unpredictable Facilities Building Access Medical Training and Resources Professional Development Practice and Drill Planning and Evaluation Communication

Crisis Management Natural Disasters Fire First Responder Medical Local Authorities Threats Crime Communication

School Safety / Crisis Management Prevention Accidents Medical Conflicts Violence Mental Health Self-harm Intervention Weapons on Campus Natural Disasters Intruders Threats Illness and Injuries Crisis outside of School Postvention Emergency Communication Media Relations Community Support Follow-up Counseling Recovery School Safety Crisis Management

Developing a Crisis Management Plan

Planning Cycle AuditPrepareImplementPracticeDebrief

Audit Form a Task Force or Committee Develop a Safety Checklist Survey the Campus Review District, State, and Federal Guidelines Input from Stakeholders

Prepare Put Plan in Writing Assign Responsibilities Outside Entities Communicate

Implement Assign Responsibilities Provide Resources (AED’s, phone numbers, radios, maps, etc.) Training

Practice Fire Drills “Duck and Cover” Intruder Lock Down Local Authorities

Debrief What went well? What needs to improve? People Issues? What did we learn?

Academic Implications Schools that are categorized as unsafe are often also categorized as low performing “Children can’t learn if they’re worried about their safety.” —Laura Bush— Maslow Level 2 - Safety and Security

Common Mistakes Failing to Plan Over-planning Over-reacting Casual Safety Climate

Other Considerations School is one of the safest places for a child Schools cannot prevent all possible harm Scope of Responsibility (i.e. off campus) Cyber Safety Zero Tolerance Bullying Funding

Contact Information Dr. Russ Claxton Department Chair School of Education (434) Dr. Samuel J. Smith Professor, Director of School Administration Program School of Education (434)