This document outlines considerations in the selection of a cost-effective school-alarm system. Steps in the planning process include: conducting a district needs assessment; gathering input from all staff levels; consulting technical expertise; and selecting a security system that can be integrated with other site needs. It further describes the…

This guide is designed to provide practical support and information about health and safety to workers in all early childhood settings. The booklet outlines the main attributes of a safe early childhood center, and then covers the following specific topics: (1) health care; (2) self-esteem; (3) immunizations; (4) nutrition; (5) medical and safety…

Safety is a very important consideration for science teachers at all levels. Hazardous conditions exist wherever science is taught, whether indoors or outdoors. Many feel that it is important for safety instruction to be an integral part of any science program if teachers are to provide the safest possible environment for their students. Since the…

Although not intended as a complete manual, the guide gives families a better chance of surviving and recovering from a major emergency by helping them learn what emergencies and disasters could occur in the area, how to prepare for them, what action to take in emergencies, and how to develop emergency skills. The guide explains what supplies to…

This manual provides the background information necessary for the planning of school fire safety programs by local school officials, particularly in Arkansas. The manual first discusses the need for such programs and cites the Arkansas state law regarding them. Policies established by the Arkansas State Board of Education to implement the legal…

This monograph is intended to provide guidance to schools and school districts in two areas: in the identification and analysis of crime problems in schools and in the evaluation of security programs. Part 1 provides simple steps necessary to avoid problems in data collection that might cause confusion and misinterpretation of student violence…

A dictate by a fire safety official prompted Ketchikan, Alaska, board members and administrators to plan, design, and construct an appropriate facility for school district maintenance operations. Guidelines are provided. (MLF)

Since June 1999, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Secret Service have been working as a team to better understand--and ultimately help prevent--school shootings in America. Findings indicated that incidents of targeted violence in school were rarely impulsive; that the students who perpetrated attacks usually planned them out in…

This booklet contains information and guidelines for the safe use and handling of chemicals in laboratories and student classrooms. The theme of this handbook is prevention of accidents with chemicals which involves chemical knowledge and the habit of safety. Topics include: (1) safety in the use and handling of hazardous chemicals; (2) teaching…

This bulletin outlines the major components of a crisis-preparedness and response plan for schools. It lists the critical components of a safe-school plan, such as community coordination, curriculum, proactive student discipline policies and procedures, safe physical environment, school security, staff and student training, evaluation and…

Violence at school can have a significant impact on young people, affecting their mental health, academic achievement, and socialization and adjustment. This brief examines that impact. It begins by defining school violence and examining the prevalence of exposure to, and victimization from, violence at school within a developmental framework. The…

This workshop and planning guide is designed to help stakeholders create safe schools for students. The guide is intended to be used with three 20-minute videotape programs that feature an inside look at two schools that actively involved their communities in improving school safety. The three videos--"Building the Team,""The Safe School…

This booklet presents ways to ensure student safety in Texas schools. It offers a 10-step plan that, when implemented in a systematic way, can reduce acts of school violence. The steps are divided into three components: prevention, intervention, and enforcement. In prevention it is important to know the goals and objectives; to be proactive; to…

A disturbed student armed with a rifle terrified a rural high school. Although the student was disarmed without harming anyone, a crisis game plan was needed. Offers suggestions for administrators to prepare for a potentially lethal crisis. (MLF)

Discusses steps necessary to develop an emergency preparedness plan for child care centers: (1) identifying the need for policies through brainstorming and reviewing previous emergencies; (2) identifying potential issues through consultation; (3) establishing center procedures; (4) identifying a spokesperson to present accurate public information;…