NCJ Number
211377
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 14-18
Date Published
August 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article briefly examines how schools can and should plan, prepare, and respond to national emergencies, such as the threat of terrorism.
Abstract
Today, with the ever-present threat of terrorism, school administrators and staff might be called upon to assume more responsibilities than imagined. No greater challenge exists today than creating safe schools or restoring schools to safe places of learning. A major strategic commitment must be made which involves placing school safety at the top of the educational agenda. A safe school is one that is prepared to respond to the unimaginable crisis. However, the question facing schools and communities is how far must schools go to create a safe and welcoming environment without turning into armed camps. This article briefly examines reasonable expectations of school administrators and communities. It discusses how schools must identify the context for which the school wishes the academic learning to take place, identify specific procedures for evaluating and responding to threat, identify the potential disasters that could occur based on the school’s setting and climate, identify specific policies and procedures detailing staff members’ specifically assigned security roles and responsibilities, and develop a close working partnership with law enforcement officials. In preparing for national emergencies, schools should stay informed about potential national security threats, be prepared for emergencies, and know how to react during an attack. In today’s heightened potential for terror, it is more important than ever for schools to be prepared to respond in appropriate ways.