School Safety and Crisis Management Flashcards

A student threatens another student via social media after school hours. As principal, what should you do FIRST?

Answer: Assess whether the threat poses a credible danger to school safety

Principals must assess all threats for credibility and potential impact on school safety regardless of where they originate.

Which element is MOST critical when developing a school reunification plan for a large-scale emergency?

Answer: A designated reunification site away from the school

A secure, pre-identified reunification site ensures families can safely reclaim students without creating congestion or security risks at the school building.

Which type of hazard assessment should a principal conduct annually to comply with federal school safety standards?

Answer: All-hazards risk assessment

An all-hazards risk assessment identifies vulnerabilities to natural, technological, and human-caused hazards and is required under federal school safety guidance.

A principal wants to improve school safety culture. Which strategy is MOST effective long-term?

Answer: Building trusting relationships so students report concerns proactively

Research consistently shows that a positive, trusting school climate where students feel safe to report threats is the most effective long-term prevention strategy.

Under most state laws, a principal is required to report which of the following to law enforcement?

Answer: A student bringing a weapon to school

Possession of weapons on school grounds is a criminal matter, and principals are legally mandated reporters in such cases.

What is the recommended protocol when a principal receives a bomb threat via telephone?

Answer: Keep the caller talking, gather details, then notify authorities and initiate evacuation

Keeping the caller engaged allows staff to gather critical information while a second person simultaneously contacts law enforcement.