Crisis Planning Checklist

Every ​district ​should ​have ​a ​comprehensive ​crisis ​plan. ​Each ​school ​within ​the ​district ​also needs ​to ​have ​a ​crisis ​plan; ​it ​should ​be ​based ​upon ​the ​district’s comprehensive plan. ​The ​crisis ​plan should ​be ​kept ​in ​an ​easily ​accessible ​location, ​and ​each person on the crisis team, including each administrator, should have a copy of the plan so ​it ​can ​be ​accessed ​quickly when ​the ​need ​arises. 

To ensure a school/district’s comprehensive and thorough response, it is imperative that a specific crisis plan be created and in place prior to a crisis situation.  Careful pre-planning, including the consideration and reflection of what is best for the school community, safeguards against overlooking or forgetting important steps in the response.  This helps to establish a foundation of emotional support. 

Below, ​you ​will ​find ​a ​template ​for ​creating ​a ​crisis ​plan. ​It ​is ​best ​to ​work ​through this ​document ​with ​your ​crisis ​team, ​discussing ​the ​various ​sections ​and ​what ​needs ​to ​be included ​for ​your ​particular ​site.  Members of the crisis team may include:  administrators, school counselors, school nurses, other student support personnel, school resource officer, administrative assistant, teacher leaders, custodial leaders, and food service personnel.  This list is not exhaustive or exclusive; the team may determine other necessary members to add to the crisis team.  

Each district and school should engage in pre-planning activities to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the crisis plan. The steps below will help establish a well-coordinated and efficient response. 

1. Establish the Crisis Team

• The administrator selects members of the crisis team. Team members may include:
  
  

  • Administrators
    
    

  • School Counselors
    
    

  • School Nurses
    
    

  • Other Student Support Personnel
    
    

  • School Resource Officer (SRO)
    
    

  • Administrative Assistant
    
    

  • Teacher Leaders
    
    

  • Custodial Leaders
    
    

  • Food Service Personnel
    
    

• This list is not exhaustive; the team may add additional members as needed.
  
  

2. Designate a Crisis Team Leader

• Appoint one individual as the Crisis Team Leader, serving as the administrator’s designee and primary point of contact.
  
  

• Ongoing collaboration and communication between the administrator and team leader are essential.
  
  

The Crisis Team Leader will:

• Consult with the principal when a possible crisis or emergency occurs.
  
  

• Coordinate the implementation of the crisis plan, including:
  
  

  • Assistance from other buildings
    
    

  • Substitute personnel
    
    

  • Room assignments and meeting times
    
    

  • Notifications and communications
    
    

  • Media coordination and staff communications (see page 37 for details)
    
    

  • Phone chain and other communication methods
    
    

  • Monitoring and documentation
    
    

  • Daily debriefing sessions
    
    

  • Distribution of identification badges for all incoming crisis personnel
    
    

• Delegate responsibilities as needed.
  
  

3. Conduct an Annual Review

At the beginning of each school year, the crisis team should meet to ensure that all procedures and materials are current:

• Update the crisis plan.
  
  

• Identify rooms and spaces for individual and group counseling.
  
  

• Verify that the phone tree is current.
  
  

• Distribute updated copies of the crisis plan to all staff (certified and classified) and provide a brief overview at an early faculty meeting.
  
  

• Ensure all necessary supplies and forms are available in the Counseling Office.
  
  

4. Prepare Crisis Resources

• Develop a condensed version of the Crisis Manual for all staff.
  
  

  • Include only information relevant to teachers and staff.
    
    

  • Ensure content is clear, concise, and easy to locate.
    
    

• Prepare information folders for substitutes and visitors assisting during a crisis.
  
  

  • Include a school map, bell schedule, and clear expectations for crisis procedures.
    
    

  • Invite these individuals to relevant meetings for updates and clarity.
    
    

• Create a parent handout for distribution during a crisis.
  
  

  • Clearly outline expectations and specify what parents can and cannot do while in the building.
    
    

5. Plan for Media Communication

Develop a proactive media communication plan before an emergency occurs. This plan should identify:

• The designated media contact and spokesperson.
  
  

• The location where media personnel will be stationed (inside or outside the building).
  
  

• The individual responsible for building security in relation to media presence, ensuring that classroom activities are not disrupted.