Every school in Iowa should have a school safety plan in case of a natural disaster, medical emergencies, bomb threats and other situations. Though not mandatory in Iowa, leaders in education, law enforcement, fire safety and homeland security agree that school safety plans are important.
The following agencies and associations worked together to create Iowa Safety Products for schools:
- Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Iowa Department of Education
- Iowa Department of Public Safety - Intelligence Fusion Center
- State of Iowa Fire Marshal's Office
- School Administrators of Iowa
- Iowa State Education Association
- Iowa Association of School Boards
- Heartland Area Education Agency
The guide below serves as a template for creating local school safety plans. Flip charts offer how-to advice for educators about an emergency or how to react to one. A self assessment and threat report form are also available for school use.
School leaders are encouraged make these plans their own. The goal is to get all stakeholders on the same page when it comes to school safety.
Iowa School Safety Flip Chart - Incidents
Iowa School Safety Flip Chart - Procedures
Iowa School Safety Self Assessment
Iowa School Safety Threat Report Form
More Resources
Additional resources on safe schools can be found on the Department's Safe Schools webpage, including the Safe Schools Leadership Handbook: A Technical Assistance Guide.