Emergencies hit schools at the most inopportune times and can take many forms. From severe weather to responding to a behavioral health crisis, being prepared with a plan that has been created by your school’s team and local partners, approved by your trustees, and practiced by your school community is vital to increasing student and staff safety. Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) provide guidance and practical solutions on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency situations. This planning process helps schools minimize injuries and property damage during an incident, and expedites the recovery process following an incident.
The resources, tools, and professional development opportunities included on the web pages below are designed to help schools prepare for and respond to emergency situations.
Current Montana law regarding emergency planning in schools: MCA 20-1-401
New Resources
Ten Essential Actions for Improving School Safety: Steps every school can take to improve school safety and links to additional resources. To learn more about the 10 Essential Actions to Improve School Safety, watch this video:
Guidance on conducting disaster drills during COVID-19: Tips for safely conducting school disaster drills during COVID
Considerations for Conducting Disaster Drills: Tips for conducting school disaster drills safely and effectively
New Technical Assistance Opportunity
The Office of Public Instruction has partnered with the Salish Kootenai College Emergency Services Academy to support schools in their efforts to understand, manage, and develop emergency operations plans unique to their schools and communities. If you are interested in receiving technical assistance with your emergency operational planning, please reach out to Michele Henson, School Safety Program Manager at OPI. This technical assistance could include topics relating to COVID-19 processes outlined in the OPI’s Reopening Guidance. This resource is provided to you at no cost to the school or school district.