Safety Drills, Exercises and Information

Kansas schools have clear plans to respond to active assailant or active shooter situations to keep students, staff, and visitors safe. These plans focus on awareness, good communication, and being prepared, not creating fear. Schools encourage reporting concerns early, practice how to respond during emergencies, and work closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders. Regular drills and training help everyone stay calm and know what to do if a real situation occurs. Schools also provide support after drills or incidents to help with emotional well-being and recovery. Each school district is free to choose any protocol that will best fit their district, below are some resources for that purpose. 

Resources:

• Ready.gov provides tips to help keep people safe in public spaces like schools, parks, and shopping areas. It explains how to plan ahead, spot risks, and respond during emergencies such as active threats. The site also offers guides for creating safety plans and working with local officials to protect your community.
• The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Active Assailant Security Resources page provides tools and guidance to help schools and organizations prepare for and respond to active shooter or active assailant incidents. It includes planning guides, security measures, and training materials focused on prevention, protection, and emergency response, helping communities create safer environments.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) course is a two-hour training designed for civilians to learn how to respond during an active shooter situation. It includes practical strategies and quick-reference guides for the “Run, Hide, Fight” approach, helping individuals stay safe and make informed decisions in emergencies.

Kansas schools should include earthquake protocols in their emergency plans to help keep students and staff safe, even though earthquakes are rare in the state. These protocols explain how to respond by staying calm, taking cover, and protecting against falling objects during shaking. Staff are trained to guide students to safety and check for injuries once it is safe. Schools may also practice general emergency procedures, so everyone knows what to do. Planning ahead helps Kansas schools respond quickly and reduce risk if an earthquake occurs.

Possible steps:

1. Stay calm
2. Drop, take cover, hold on
3. Move to safety once it is safe

Resource:

• EarthquakeCountry.org explains the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” safety steps to protect yourself during an earthquake. When shaking starts, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk if possible, and hold on until the shaking stops. These actions help prevent injuries from falling objects and keep you safer during strong shaking.

Kansas schools work to keep students, staff, and visitors safe by having clear plans for fire emergencies. These plans explain how to respond quickly, evacuate safely, and make sure everyone is accounted for if there is a fire or smoke. Schools practice fire drills at least four times a year, so students and staff know where to go and what to do. Staff are trained to guide students calmly and work with local fire departments when needed. By planning ahead and practicing often, Kansas schools help reduce confusion and handle fire emergencies safely and responsibly. 

Steps:

1. Pull fire alarm
2. Evacuate building quickly
3. Account for all students

Resource:

• The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Pre-K through 12 Schools webpage provides essential safety resources for schools, including guides on fire-rated doors, door-locking devices, hand sanitizer placement, and active-shooter protocols. It also offers drill forms, waiver requests, and FAQs to help schools follow fire codes and maintain safe learning environments.

1. Evacuate or shelter as directed
2. Avoid contact with substance
3. Follow emergency instructions

Resources:

• The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Pre-K through 12 Schools webpage. It provides guidance on handling hazardous materials, including proper storage, emergency response steps, and compliance with state safety codes. Schools can also find drill forms and FAQs to ensure staff know what to do during a chemical spill or similar incident.
• Ready.gov Hazardous Materials Incidents page, which offers national guidelines for planning and responding to chemical emergencies, including evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures.

Kansas schools have clear plans to respond to medical emergencies to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. These plans explain what to do if someone gets sick, hurt, or has a serious health issue, such as an allergic reaction. School staff are trained to recognize emergencies, communicate quickly, and provide basic help until medical professionals arrive. Schools also keep up-to-date health information and emergency contacts and work closely with families and local emergency services. These steps help schools respond quickly and care for students in a safe, organized, and supportive way.

Steps:

1. Call 911
2. Provide first aid if trained
3. Keep student calm and safe

Resource:

• The Kansas Department of Health and Environment offers a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) guide for schools. It includes templates and detailed protocols for AED placement, CPR training, emergency team coordination, practice drills, and annual plan review—helping schools improve chances of survival during sudden cardiac events.

1. Follow district reunification plan
2. Verify student release to approved adult
3. Keep records of all releases

Resource:

• Family Reunification Resource Guide: The U.S. Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center created this guide to help schools and districts plan for safely reuniting students with their families during emergencies. It offers practical steps for preparing staff, communicating with parents, and working with community partners to make the process organized and secure. Family Reunification Resource Guide (PDF)

1. Report to trusted adult or call 911
2. Do not confront individual
3. Secure students

Resources:

• Kansas School Safety Hotline: The Kansas Sate Department of Education (KSDE) in cooperation with the Kansas Highway Patrol has established a school safety hotline. This hotline is a toll free number available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to give students, parents, and community members the opportunity to report any impending school violence.  As you are aware, students usually have knowledge of potential school violence before it occurs.  This hotline would give students the opportunity to anonymously report any potential violence. Phone: 1-877-626-8203
• Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) provides a secure way for individuals to report behaviors or activities that may indicate a threat to public safety. This resource supports early intervention by connecting reports to law enforcement for review and follow-up. Schools and communities can use SAR to help prevent violence and keep people safe.
• The Kansas “See Something, Say Something” campaign is a statewide initiative led by the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center and supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, aiming to empower residents to report suspicious activities to law enforcement. By equipping communities with resources and encouraging vigilance, this program helps enhance public safety and prevent potential threats. Posters are available here.

1. Move to designated shelter
2. Stay away from windows
3. Wait for “all clear”

• National Weather Service (NWS) Wichita office, which offers free, printable weather safety handouts. These include best practices and tips for severe weather, lightning, winter storms, heat, and flooding—available in both English and Spanish for easy sharing with students and staff.
• For a detailed planning framework, the National Weather Service’s Weather Preparedness for Schools guide offers a comprehensive approach covering planning, drills, monitoring, and response tailored to K–12 settings.