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Friend, 

As we step into February, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the start of this year. In January, we chose to pause our usual content to focus our energy on supporting schools and communities affected by the LA wildfires. 

While the recovery continues, we are shifting back to proactive content this month— content designed to help schools nationwide strengthen their safety and risk management practices.

Risk management is at the core of everything we do. Whether responding to a crisis, refining day-to-day protocols, or preparing for an unexpected challenge, the ability to assess, adapt, and act is what keeps schools safe. This month, our team is presenting at conferences across the country, leading conversations about risk and how schools can best prepare for it — not by avoiding it entirely, but by understanding, managing, and sometimes even embracing it.

I often use the analogy of climbing a mountain to describe the work schools do to build safer communities. At the start, the peak seems like the ultimate goal, but along the way, there are smaller summits, steep inclines, and unexpected challenges that require recalibration. The path is never as straightforward as it seems. The schools that build the most confidence in their best practices are the ones that recognize resilience is built in the valleys, not just at the peaks.

A recent example underscores this idea. A few weeks ago at one of our schools in St. Louis, a high school student reported receiving a written threat from an absent peer — just 20 minutes before dismissal. The police were notified, but there was no guarantee they would arrive before students were set to leave. In the moments that followed, the school leadership had critical decisions to make: Should dismissal proceed as planned or be adjusted? Who had the authority to make that call? How would those decisions be communicated to staff, students, and families? Had the school practiced secure campus dismissal procedures?

This situation reinforced key best practices that schools should continuously refine:

• Roles & Responsibilities: A clear chain of command is essential, especially in time-sensitive situations. Schools must be able to answer, without hesitation, Who is the decision-maker.. said differently, who is the Incident Commander? A well-defined Incident Command System ensures coordination and clarity in both routine operations and crises.
• Communication: Effective communication builds trust and prevents confusion. Schools should have pre-drafted messages for different scenarios and a streamlined process for distributing information quickly to all stakeholders. Quick Quiz: Where are your crisis communication templates?
• Trauma-Informed Drills: Schools must practice response procedures at different times of the day, including during high-movement periods like dismissal (Yes or No: have you done a drill at dismissal this year?). The goal is to build muscle memory while ensuring that drills reinforce preparedness without causing unnecessary distress.

At Joffe, we believe that learning happens in multiple ways — two of the most meaningful are real-world debriefs and creative, thought-provoking practice. This month, we’re diving into that balance with a webinar featuring risk management consultant Steve Smith alongside members of our team. Together, we’ll explore how risk management and emergency services intersect, the philosophical foundations that guide our work, and the lessons we’ve learned supporting schools and experiential education programs. This webinar will be filled with stories, personal examples, and fresh perspectives on safety and risk management. Additionally, our latest blog takes a deep dive into risk mitigation throughout the school day, offering practical insights schools can apply immediately.

Most importantly, safety does not have to come at the expense of connection or joy. The schools that see the best outcomes are the ones that prepare intentionally — not perfectly, but proactively. If you’re reading this, then you already understand that philosophy, and we’re grateful to be part of your journey.

As we move through 2025, let’s stay focused on what matters most — strong, prepared, and thriving communities.

In strength,

Chris Joffe

Founder and CEO 

Twitter: @JoffeChris

Safety Spotlight: Risk Management

In a conversation with a recent principal, we were asked, "During our school events like plays or sporting events, I always worry about safety. What factors should we consider to manage risks effectively during these times?" To answer this, we have turned to Brittni Smith, Joffe Directory of Safety and Security.

Great question! Managing risks during events requires understanding the three key variables that impact risk levels: Space, People, and Structure. Here's how they play into school events:

• Space: Large gathering spaces like gymnasiums or auditoriums increase risk due to limited exits AND often limited lock down ability.
• People: Events draw large crowds, creating a higher staff-to-guest ratio, which can strain resources.
• Structure: Reduced structure during events — such as unrestricted movement — makes emergency response harder to implement effectively.

To minimize risks:

1. Plan for crowd management: Ensure adequate staff coverage and clear communication.
2. Pre-identify safe areas and exit routes for high-capacity spaces.
3. Train staff on protocols specific to these high-risk times.

For more detailed guidance, check out our free Simple School Solution resource, which breaks down risk levels during a school day and provides actionable strategies for preparedness.

February 10th Webinar -  Join us on Monday, February 10th at 9 am PST as risk management consultant Steve Smith and members of Joffe Emergency Services discuss how their work in risk management and emergency services overlap, the philosophical foundations that inform and support their work, and how they have taken lessons learned from other contexts and applied them to supporting schools and experiential education programs. 

Add our webinars to your calendar:

Upcoming Webinars:

• February 10
• March 10
• April 14
• May 12
• June 9

The Joffe team is excited to gear up for February’s conferences and events - It's going to be a busy month (it even took us TWO graphics to show where we'll be)!

Planning to attend or have questions about any of the events? Let us know!

Resources

Navigating Risk Blog Post: Most schools plan for emergencies during class hours, but what about the rest of the day? From drop-off to after-school activities, each moment carries unique safety challenges that demand attention. In our latest blog, we dive into often-overlooked risks and share practical strategies to help schools create a safer, more secure environment for their communities.

Risk Assessment & Response Course Bundle: Master the skills to identify potential threats and implement effective responses with our Risk Assessment and Response Course Bundle. This bundle includes resources and conversations between experts to help you prepare for and manage risks confidently.

All K-12 schools welcome! Hosted by Joffe team members, participants will discover the essential differences between routine dismissal procedures and the complex protocols needed for emergency crisis reunification. Through hands-on practice and insights, they will gain an understanding of reunification as a critical element in restoring safety and stability following an emergency. Register now to secure your spot for our March 19th training! 

Not in Nashville, Tennessee? We’re bringing interactive reunification trainings to more cities soon! Contact us for details.

Follow us on social media!

We regularly post updates, blog posts, and share resources specifically designed to support school health and safety.

X: @JoffeChris & @Joffeemergency

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