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575 School Safety: Crisis Planning
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Respond to Crisis Immediately

When a crisis occurs, look at what the best type of action is necessary and respond within seconds. An immediate and appropriate response depends on a plan with clearly laid-out roles and responsibilities, as well as training and practice. With this proper training, staff members and students will respond appropriately within seconds.

Alert - Lockdown - Inform - Counter - Evacuate (ALICE) training for Dartmouth High School.

Notification

Many times, school leaders tend to delay calling emergency responders, such as the police or fire departments. In the midst of a crisis, many people believe they can handle the situation in-house. However, it is better to have emergency responders on scene as soon as possible, even if administrators resolved the situation when they arrive. If you delay calling, you could potentially have further risk, injury, or damage.

Also, notifying a district's or school's crisis team allows them to start the necessary measures to protect the safety of everyone involved. Remember to evacuate or lockdown the school, if necessary, as soon as possible.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-2. Why do some school leaders tend to delay in calling emergency responders, such as the police or fire departments?