We used to think of schools as safe havens. Then we began to worry about strangers or estranged family members who might come to schools to look for children. Next we began to worry about violence from students in our schools, especially after the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in Colorado. School districts throughout the nation responded with heightened safety procedures -- procedures that were put into use during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Americans. Then came the terrorist attack against a school in Beslan, Russia in September 2004.

Because of these dangers, we are still tasked to do more to protect our schools. Many school districts have safety committees in place, but it's important to make sure that current crisis planning policies address terrorism.

Staff Expectations

Teachers and support staff should be trained on updated procedures. Other issues:

* Provide adult supervision inside and outside the school before, after, and during school
* As a group, review and test crisis preparation guidelines for both natural disasters and acts of violence
* Each person should know his/her role during lockdowns or evacuations

Facilities Management

Measures to take include:
* Clearly defining the perimeter with fences, gates, signage, etc.
* Using security technology for monitoring purposes, including in parking areas and areas around the school
* Reducing entry points to one door where staff can see visitors and question strangers; verify the identity of any vendors or service personnel
* Improving procedures for after-school and evening building access
* Securing roof hatches and access to roofs
* Locking windows at the end of the day
* Keeping school transportation facilities security up-to-date
* Preventing access to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, boiler rooms, utility controls, and chemical and cleaning product storage areas
* Creating strategies to prevent access to sensitive data on school computers
* Making plans for safe relocation of students with advice from local fire, police, HAZMAT, and emergency management officials

Emergency Supplies
* Enough food, water, and other supplies for students and staff kept at school beyond normal hours - Disaster Preparedness & Classroom Lockdown Kits are available for purchase or can be assembled
* Reasonable number of emergency health kits and medical supplies - this should include School Emergency First Aid Kits, School Bus First Aid Kits and Student Packs
* A 3-day stock of medications for students who require medications at school - Emergency Medical Equipment such as AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) should be ready in every school
* Functioning communications devices, including two-way radio units, cell phones, any related batteries, public address system, fire alarm system
* "Shelter in Place" kits (made of items such as personal cleaning supplies, candles, matches, etc.) if part of your school's plan

Suspicious Activities

These activities might not be a problem alone, but watch for people who might have bad intentions:
* Curiosity about security, entryways, and barriers
* Wanting information such as bus routes, building site plans, or attendance lists
* Watching security drills
* Use of cameras, video recorders, or note-taking at non-tourist locations
* Increase in anonymous phone or e-mail threats

Be Vigilant
Ask for a copy of the on-site emergency plans at your child's school. Don't like what you see? Get involved and help make them better.

-- Trina Lambert & Safety Editor

Related Links:

• SchoolSecurity.org -- Terrorist Response
• American Red Cross Student Packs
• Online, anonymous reporting system and helpline for students
• First Aid Fundrsaising - Get a Free AED for your School
• The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool
• School Bus First Aid Kits
• Classroom Lockdown Kits

  School Safety Organizations
  FEMA for KIDS Homepage -- Education, Schools, Disasters, Games ... Learn about the different kinds of disasters, how to prepare and stay safe, and how to become a Disaster Action Kid.
  Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence -- Informed assistance to groups committed to understanding and preventing violence, particularly adolescent violence.
  National Resource Center for Safe Schools -- Works with schools, communities, state and local education agencies, and other concerned individuals and agencies to create safe learning environments and prevent school violence.
  National Alliance for Safe Schools -- Established to provide training, technical assistance, and publications to school districts interested in reducing school based crime and violence.
  National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officials -- Working with school administrators throughout the US and Canada, to assure a safe environment in which teachers can teach and children can learn.
  National School Safety Center -- To serve as a catalyst and advocate for the prevention of school crime and violence by providing information and resources and identifying strategies and promising programs which Support safe schools for school children worldwide.
  National School Safety and Security Services -- A national consulting firm specializing in school security and crisis preparedness training, security assessments, and related safety consulting for K-12 schools, law enforcement, and other youth safety providers.
  The National Mental Health and Education Center for Children and Families -- A public service of the National Association of School Psychologists, is an information and action network to foster best practices in education and mental health for children and families building upon strengths, understanding diversity, and Support ing families.
  Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory NWREL -- Serves to improve educational results for children, youth, and adults by providing research and development assistance in delivering equitable, high quality educational programs. NWREL provides research and development assistance to education, government, community agencies, business and labor. NWREL is part of a national network of 10 educational laboratories funded by the U.S. Department of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) to serve the Northwest region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.