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Friend, 

As the weather warms up and spring arrives, we see a meaningful uptick in extra-curricular activities, spring fairs, and even the initial planning stages for end-of-year events. This busy season brings both the need for proactive planning and allows for opportunities to identify potential gaps in our traditional emergency response procedures.

When we look at the two critical buckets of emergency response – leadership and communication –  we're proud that so many of the schools we work with have strong protocols that they practice diligently during regular school hours. In other words, these schools have robust procedures covering the period of time from student arrival to dismissal.

However, a gap we continue to observe emerges during the after-school hours, when staffing is reduced, responsibilities shift (the classroom teacher becomes the coach, the front office coordinator heads home, etc.), and communication systems change. During this timeframe, strong emergency protocols often become more lax or inconsistently applied. To remain ready to respond, we suggest focusing in on three key areas:

1. Implement a “First On Incident Commander” model: When emergencies strike during school hours, our trusted Incident Command System efficiently guides our response, with pre-assigned teams and comprehensive training. However, the landscape shifts dramatically after the final bell, when staff and student presence on campus becomes more inconsistent. To bridge this gap, we present the "First On" model – an even more dynamic approach where the first person to become aware of an emergency assumes the role of Incident Commander. This individual is empowered to swiftly assemble a team and assign critical roles based on evolving priorities.
   
   
2. Practice, Practice, Practice: To fortify our preparedness, we must embrace a proactive approach by scheduling at least two annual emergency drills during these critical periods. Conventional wisdom tells us that emergencies conveniently confine themselves to the traditional school day, but reality paints a different picture. The hours before and after the final bell present unique vulnerabilities – open campus gates, heightened parent and visitor traffic, and the potential for erratic vehicle movement. 
   
   
3. Building an After-School Attendance System. While athletics, drama, and library activities are obvious after-school hotspots, we cannot overlook the unique groups that may frequent your campus. From scout troops to end-of-term tutoring sessions, crafting reliable processes and procedures, helps to ensure no student goes unaccounted for. 

Planning for emergencies after school hours can be challenging given how different the activities look day to day, but it's vital to have safety plans in place until the last student and staff member has left the campus. Our challenge to you is to take time today and get a draft plan together for your safety team. It often takes just this first step to get the ball rolling. If you find yourself in need of some guidance along the way, we’re here to help. 

In strength,

Chris Joffe

Founder and CEO 

(X)Twitter:@JoffeChris 

Safety Spotlight: Safety Beyond School Hours

In our recent discussions with school administrators, a recurring and vital question has emerged: "What are the most effective strategies for managing crowds and maintaining safety protocols during school athletic events?"

Now more than ever, school administrations are prioritizing security not only during school hours but also after school hours. 

Managing the safety of large crowds can indeed feel like a daunting task, which is why having standardized best practices for crowd management is crucial.

Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Hire Security: Whether unarmed security guards or off duty police officers, their visible presence acts as a deterrent to unwanted behaviors and allows for comprehensive monitoring across various areas such as parking lots, entry gates, restrooms, and the perimeter for any suspicious activity.
• Enforce Venue Occupant Capacity: Straining facilities and staff by exceeding a comfortable capacity can lead to safety concerns. It's essential to adhere to recommended density and flow rates, supported by counting systems and access controls, to ensure a safe and environment.
• Prohibit Contraband: Implement strict bans on items like outside food, bags, coolers, and weapons through thorough searches to mitigate inadvertent safety issues.

As you address the critical issue of managing crowds and ensuring safety protocols during school athletic events, we understand the challenges and responsibilities involved. To support your efforts, we've put together different resources and toolkits to help you get started. Remember, our team is always available to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have along the way. Together, we can create a secure and enjoyable environment for all participants and spectators. Here are some resources to get you started:

Simple School Solutions: A comprehensive guide outlining effective strategies and protocols for ensuring safety and managing crowds during school athletic events, designed to assist school administrations in creating secure and enjoyable environments for all participants and spectators.

After-Hours Blog Post: Planning school events and after-hours activities can be exciting, yet it's crucial to prioritize safety and preparedness; our blog post allows you to equip yourself with the knowledge and resources necessary for managing any unforeseen circumstances effectively.

April 8th Webinar: Join us as we feature our "Speaker Series" on the school safety webinar. Experts from SPARC, the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative, will be presenting on Ensuring Safety Beyond School Hours.

Extracurricular Activities Protocols Course: At Joffe Academy, our course on extracurricular activity safety covers topics like physical examinations, weather guidelines, concussion management, and trained professional requirements. Learn how to create a secure environment for after-hours events and ensure students' well-being. Use code SafetyInSports for a 40% discount off the $25 value.

Stay up on the latest...

Get ready for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th! As the upcoming solar eclipse draws near, we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. By following safety guidelines and leveraging the educational opportunities presented by the eclipse, we hope to support you in creating a memorable and enriching experience for students. Check out our one-pager on eclipse safety protocols to learn more!

Join us next month as we feature our “Speaker Series” on the school safety webinar. After Carly Posey's children were involved in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, she made school and community safety her focus. She has worked with and spoken to school communities around the country to help prepare and prevent the unthinkable. Carly has been the Executive Director for the Safe2Tell Nonprofit, the Program Director for Anderson Software, and is currently the Mission Director for the "I Love U Guys" Foundation. Carly is honored to share her story, the Foundation's programs and work towards safer schools.

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Interested in school security?

Joffe Emergency Services provides schools with high-quality safety and security programs. With partnerships across the US, we work within our communities to create high-quality safety and security programs that protect and support students and staff. We'd love to learn more about you and your school's needs. Schedule a call with our Partnership Specialist today!

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

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