Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Many parents and community members are concerned about issues of school safety. Listed below are some frequently asked questions about our preparedness efforts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Broward County Public Schools is one of the few school districts in the nation that maintains an Emergency Management office specifically responsible for preparedness. While BCPS has significant measures in place for the safety of our students and staff, many of those procedures are confidential as an added protective measure and per state statute.

Did You Know?

We help ensure the safety of students and staff by:
- Developing and coordinating all-hazard emergency management programs.
- Ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Annually reviewing and approving site-specific Safe School Plans.
- Conducting and facilitating standardized emergency and disaster training programs.
- Maintaining situational awareness of potential threats and developing response plans.
- Coordinating with community emergency management partners.

Do schools maintain emergency procedures?

Yes. Recent updates of materials, resources, and tools for staff included a new Emergency Procedures Manuals with easily accessible situation-based direction, a mobile app that works whether internet connectivity is available or not, training modules and classroom materials that highlight the Standard Response Protocol (lockdown, secure, shelter and evacuate procedures).

What programs are in place to ensure schools are prepared to handle emergency incidents?

Safe School Plans - School leadership teams maintain site specific Safe School Plans which serve to identify critical functions and resources that are necessary to manage crisis on campus. These emergency procedures take into account the specific school’s logistics and campus layout when determining the proper response.

School Emergency Response Team (SERT/SAFE) - Each school maintains a School Emergency Response Team (SERT/SAFE) that is responsible for responding to emergencies during a crisis. Those staff assigned to be part of the SERT receive additional training to support their function as emergency team members.

Tabletop Exercise - School Emergency Response Teams are required to conduct an annual discussion-based tabletop exercise in which they test their plans and training against an emergency-based scenario. Typically, the School Resource Officer assigned to the school participates in the tabletop exercise.

Facilitated Discussions - Annually, school administrators lead their staff through facilitated training discussions on topics such as active assailants and school safety. These discussions are based on the district’s standardized emergency preparedness online training modules.

What type of training do school-based staff receive?

How often do schools conduct drills, and what types are conducted?

School-based drills are mandated for educational sites, per 1006.07 sec. 4(a) (b), Florida Statute.

Fire drills can also be found in the Florida Fire Prevention Code 69A-60.
Schools conduct 24 drills each school year; 3 drills in August and February and 2 drills per month thereafter.
11 are fire/emergency egress drills, 1 severe weather, and 12 are active assailant drills.
All district schools are in compliance with the prescribed drill schedule year-to-date.

How does BCPS maintain preparedness?

Important Links

Stay informed and prepared with Broward County Emergency Management—your resource for disaster planning, alerts, recovery info, and community safety.

Broward County’s Red Cross chapter serves 1.9 million residents from Fort Lauderdale, providing disaster relief, training, and support.

A Smartsheet form used to submit mosquito spraying requests, capturing name, contact details, and issue description.

Ready.gov is the U.S. government's official emergency preparedness site offering guidance, tools, alerts, and planning resources.

Alyssa’s Alert flyer explains a mobile panic alert app for Broward schools, enabling instant emergency notification.