As students head back to school, it’s important for both parents and schools to take proactive steps to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
Preparedness tips for parents and legal guardians:
✅ Review Emergency Procedures – Talk with your child about what to do during fire drills, severe weather, or lockdowns so they feel confident and prepared.
✅ Update Contact Information – Make sure the school has your current phone number, email, and emergency contacts.
✅ Know the School’s Plan – Familiarize yourself with the school’s emergency procedures, reunification sites, and communication methods.
✅ Pack Smart – Ensure your child’s backpack has essentials like updated ID information and any necessary medications.
✅ Practice at Home – Go over safety basics such as when to call 9-1-1, who to trust in an emergency, and how to follow instructions from teachers.
✅ Stay Informed – Sign up for school alerts, local emergency notifications, and stay connected with district communication channels.
Resources for Schools:
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center (REMS)
Provides guidance, tools, and training for K–12 schools to develop comprehensive emergency management plans.
SchoolSafety.gov (https://www.schoolsafety.gov/)
A centralized resource for school safety topics, including threat assessment, emergency operations planning, and back-to-school safety checklists.
Michigan State Police - Office of School Safety (School Safety Resources )
This webpage includes School Resource Officer (SRO) resources, cybersecurity best practices, Emergency Operations Planning, firearm safety, mental/behavioral health, physical security, state statutes, threat assessments, vulnerability assessments and planning.