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Download Creative MaterialsPUBLICATIONS & GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
Unless explicitly identified as relating to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, all resources were created prior to the pandemic and should be not assumed to apply the same to the COVID-19 response. For updated information related to COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.
The REMS TA Center and Office of Safe and Supportive Schools produce a variety of publications and guidance documents in collaboration with Federal partners and practitioners in the fields of school and higher ed preparedness. Select a publication type below to access a list of titles by date.
Guidance Documents
Federal agencies have worked together to create joint products on critical topics in emergency management for K-12 schools and school districts and institutions of higher education (IHEs). These guidance documents align with and build upon years of emergency planning work by the Federal government and may be used to develop and revise high-quality emergency operations plans; understand adult sexual misconduct in the school setting and develop related policies and procedures; prevent targeted violence at schools and IHEs; and identify, assess, and manage students who may pose a threat of targeted violence at schools and IHEs. Click a link below to download a PDF copy of the guidance.
The Role of Districts in Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans: A Companion to the School Guide (the District Guide), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2019)
A Training Guide for Administrators and Educators on Addressing Adult Sexual Misconduct in the School Setting, REMS TA Center (2017)
Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning, U.S. Department of Education (2017)
Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans (School Guide), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (2013)
Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE Guide), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (2013)
Campus Attacks: Targeted Violence Affecting Institutions of Higher Education, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of Education, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (2010)
Prior Knowledge of Potential School-Based Violence: Information Students Learn May Prevent a Targeted Attack, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Department of Education (2008)
Threat Assessment in Schools: A Guide to Managing Threatening Situations and to Creating Safe School Climates, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Department of Education (2004)
The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative: Implications for the Prevention of School Attacks in the United States, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Department of Education (2004)
Technical Assistance Snapshots
The REMS TA Center is available for your technical assistance needs via email or our toll-free phone line. We respond to direct requests from school administrators and staff, district administrators, state education agency and regional education agency personnel, educators, parents, students, school safety leaders, and community partners on a variety of topics within school safety, security, and emergency preparedness. Such inquiries have resulted in the creation of technical assistance responses and snapshots. Click a topic below to download a PDF copy of a snapshot document.
Dear School Safety Partner: Cybersecurity and Cyber Safety (2020)
10 Tips for Teaching the Psychological First Aid Model for K-12 Education Agencies (2019)
School Emergency Supplies List (2018)
Tips on Protecting Youth From Sextortion (2016)
Supporting Continuity of Teaching and Learning During an Emergency (2014)
Glossary of Key Terms (2014)
Key Principles for School Security in Planning for Reductions in Force (RIFs) (2011)
FY2010 NIMS Training for K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher Education (2010)
Checklist: NIMS Implementation Activities for Schools and Institutions of Higher Education (2009)
NIMS Implementation Activities for Schools and Institutions of Higher Education (2009)
Sample Annexes
Federal guidance recommends that high-quality emergency operations plans (EOPs) for schools or institutions of higher education include threat- and hazard-specific, as well as functional, annexes. These are sections of the plan that specify the policies and procedures, as well as the responsibilities and actions, that are taken before, during, and after an emergency event. While it is important that planning teams develop their own EOPs as they work through the six-step planning process with community partners, and ultimately decide how their annexes are structured based on their work together, these sample annexes may be useful in helping to understand what the structure and content of an annex may include. Each sample annex is formatted slightly differently and reflects a very different fictional school. Click a link below to download a PDF copy of the annex.
Sample Family Reunification Annex (2016)
Sample Lockdown Annex (2016)
Sample Shelter-in-Place Annex (2016)
Sample Earthquake Annex (2016)
Fact Sheets
Fact sheets explore key topics in school and higher ed preparedness and safety, security, and emergency management, and are based on research conducted by the REMS TA Center. Click an issue below to download a PDF copy of the fact sheet.
Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts (2019)
Preparing for Floods at Institutions of Higher Education (2019)
Preparing for Floods at State Education Agencies (2019)
Wildfire Preparedness for K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher Education (2019)
Preparing for Opioid-Related Emergencies for K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher Education (2018)
School Culture and Climate Assessments (2018)
Student Perceptions of Safety and Their Impact on Creating a Safe School Environment (2018)
Responding to Student Demonstrations and Protests in Schools and School Districts (2018)
Managing Donations and Volunteers as a Part of Education Agency Emergency Management (2018)
Cybersecurity Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts (2017)
Cyber Safety Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts (2017)
Prevention for Schools and School Districts (2017)
Protection for Schools and School Districts (2017)
Mitigation for Schools and School Districts (2017)
Recovery for Schools and School Districts (2017)
Response for Schools and School Districts (2017)
Preparing for Study Abroad Emergencies for Higher Ed and K-12 Populations (2017)
Cybersecurity Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education (2017)
Post-Disaster Reunification and K-12 Schools (2016)
Incorporating Sextortion Into School Emergency Operations Planning (2016)
Developing a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Annex for K-12 Schools and School Districts (2016)
Addressing Access and Functional Needs (AFN) in School and IHE Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) (2016)
Resource Lists
The REMS TA Center hosts Webinars and develops supplemental reading guides that accompany the presentations. Click a link below to download a PDF copy of the resource.
Resources on Preparing for Floods at Education Agencies (2019)
Institution of Higher Education (IHE) Site Assessment Resources (2019)
K-12 Site Assessment Resources (2019)
Select Federal Government Preparedness Trainings for the K-12 and Higher Ed Communities (2019)
Resources on Trauma-Informed Care for Schools Before, During, and After Possible Emergency Events (2019)
Power Outage Exercise Resources (2018)
Infectious Disease Exercise Resources (2018)
Resources for School and School District Emergency Exercises (2018)
Family Reunification Resource Guide (2018)
Evacuation Resource Guide (2018)
Post-Disaster Reunification Resource Guide (2018)
Food Safety and Emergencies: Preparedness Activities for Schools (2018)
Preparing for Study Abroad Emergencies for Higher Ed and K-12 Populations (2017)
General Mitigation and Resilience Resources (2017)
Compassion Fatigue and Behavioral Health Websites (2017)
Recovery Resources (2017)
Recovery Annex Resource Guide (2017)
Using the Five Preparedness Missions to Help Ready Your District and School for Emergencies (2017)
Integrating Earthquakes Into School Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) (2016)
State and Local Perspectives on Emergency Management Back to School Activities Resource List (2016)
Incorporating Sextortion Prevention, Response, and Recovery Into School EOP Planning Resource List (2016)
Integrating Bullying Prevention Efforts Into Emergency Management Planning (2016)
Use of Social Media in School Behavioral Threat Assessments (2016)
Forming a School Behavioral Threat Assessment Team (2016)
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning and Developing a COOP Annex (2016)
Addressing Access and Functional Needs (AFN) in School and IHE Emergency Operations Plans (2016)
Designing Safe Schools: Planning and Retrofitting for Safety in Education Facilities (2015)
Integrating Human Trafficking With School Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) (2015)
Resources Supporting Campus Public Safety (2013)
Resources Supporting School Climate (2013)
Resources Supporting Incorporating International Students Into Emergency Management and Planning (2013)
Resources Supporting Implementing Psychological First Aid in School and Postsecondary Settings (2013)
Resources Supporting Using Federal Contracts to Enhance School and Campus Security (2013)
Resources Supporting the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans (2013)
Other Publications
The REMS TA Center also creates many other resources, including toolkits, informational sheets, lists, work sheets, and tip sheets. Click an issue below to download a copy of the publication.
EOP ASSIST Interactive Workbook Part A: Instructions (2019)
EOP ASSIST Interactive Workbook Part B: Worksheets (2019)
Español—Libro Interactivo del EOP ASSIST Parte A: Instrucciones (2019)
Español—Libro Interactivo del EOP ASSIST Parte B: Hojas de Trabajo (2019)
Power Outage Tabletop Exercise (2018)
Infectious Disease Tabletop Exercise (2018)
Introduction to Emergency Exercises (2018)
Form: Injured Students/Staff (2017)
Earthquake Exercises for Schools Podcast Transcript (2016)
Informational Resources for K-12 Schools, by Topic (2015)
Sample Risk Assessment Matrix (2015)
EOP Review Checklist (2015)
An Example of a Course of Action Addressing the Function of Evacuation (2015)
Examples of Goals and Objectives Addressing the Threat or Hazard of Fire (2015)
Examples of Individuals and Organizations to Include on a School Collaborative Planning Team (2015)
Flyers
The REMS TA Center offers free services and products on school safety, security, and emergency management. You can learn more about these products and services, which range from trainings to tools and other resources, and share information about them with your colleagues via flyers. Click a product or service below to download a PDF copy of the flyer.
Virtual Trainings by Request At a Glance (2020)
EOP Interactive Tools: Free Emergency Management Planning Tools for Education Agencies (2020)
Addressing and Preventing Adult Sexual Misconduct Train-the-Educator (TtE) (2020)
Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) K-12 101 Train-the-Educator (TtE) (2020)
Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) K-12 101 Train-the-Trainer (TtT) Training (2020)
Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) IHE 101 Train-the-Educator (TtE) (2020)
Trainings by Request: At a Glance (2020)
EOP ASSIST: A Free Web-Based App to Create Your EOP (2019)
Conducting K-12 Site Assessments With SITE ASSESS Extension Training (2018)
SITE ASSESS: A Mobile Application for Your Education Agency to Conduct a Site Assessment (2018)
REMS TA Center: Supporting K-12 School Emergency Management (2018)
REMS TA Center: Supporting Higher Ed Emergency Management (2018)
Virtual Toolkit: A Virtual Emergency Management Toolkit for Your State or District Website (2017)
Community of Practice: The REMS TA Center Community of Practice (2017)
School Behavioral Threat Assessments: An Introduction (2016)
Earthquake Preparedness for Schools Training (2016)
Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) IHE 101 Train-the-Trainer (TtT) Training (2014)
Newsletters and Announcements
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center is our email newsletter. We also send out individual announcements on upcoming Webinars and Twitter Chats, new resources and information, and other REMS TA Center events. If you would like to sign up for our mailing list, please email us at info@remstacenter.org. Click an issue below to view an HTML copy of a past newsletter or announcement.
FREE Virtual Trainings and Modules (2021)
Protecting Students From Child Exploitation in Virtual and In-Person Learning Environments (2021)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Winter 2021
New Guidance At a Glance on the REMS TA Center Website (2020)
NEW REMS TA Center Virtual Trainings by Request (VTBRs) (2020)
Updated Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Applications (2020)
Get Ready to ShakeOut and Practice Preparedness Plans on International ShakeOut Day (2020)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Summer 2020
August Is National Immunization Awareness Month (2020)
Keeping Students Safe Online During School at Home (2020)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Spring 2020
Using Special Education Services Models to Enhance Threat Assessment (2020)
New Resources on the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) for Education Agencies (2020)
February Is Earthquake Awareness Month (2020)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Winter 2020
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month (2020)
New Train-the-Educator Training on Addressing and Preventing Adult Sexual Misconduct (2019)
New Tip Sheet on Psychological First Aid (2019)
Updated EOP ASSIST Software and Interactive Workbook (2019)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Fall 2019
New Fact Sheet Series on Flood Preparedness (2019)
Get Ready to ShakeOut on October 17 (2019)
Announcing Our New Website! (2019)
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (2019)
Managing Bereavement and Loss as a Part of School and Higher ed Emergency Preparedness Planning (2019)
New Fact Sheet on Wildfire Preparedness for Schools and IHEs (2019)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Summer 2019
Managing Anniversaries and Memorials as a Part of School and Campus Safety Efforts (2019)
Announcing: School Safety Grant Opportunities (2019)
Using the Summer Months to Conduct Site Assessments (2019)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Spring 2019
New Resource! Fact Sheet for Schools and IHEs on Addressing Opioid Emergencies (2019)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Winter 2019
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Fall 2018
Announcing: Upcoming Test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) (2018)
Recent Discussions in the Community of Practice (CoP) | May and June (2018)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Summer 2018
Recent Discussions in the Community of Practice (CoP) (2018)
Download and Share NEW Fact Sheets on School Culture and Climate + Student Perceptions of Safety (2018)
Recent Discussions in the Community of Practice (CoP) (2018)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Spring 2018
Responding to Student Protests and Demonstrations in Schools and School Districts (2018)
Dear Partner in School Emergency Recovery (2018)
Wishing You Hope, Joy, and Peace in 2018! (2018)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Winter 2017
Recent Discussions in the Community of Practice (2017)
Download and Share NEW Fact Sheets on Five Preparedness Mission Areas (2017)
Announcing SITE ASSESS: A Mobile App Designed to Support Your Site Assessment Efforts (2017)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Fall 2017
Recent Discussions in the Community of Practice (CoP) (2017)
We’ve Released a NEW Training Guide on Addressing Adult Sexual Misconduct in the School Setting (2017)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Summer 2017
EOP ASSIST – New Resources for State Agencies and Regional Education Agencies (2017)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Spring 2017
We’ve Updated EOP ASSIST | Upgrade to the Latest Version! (2017)
Recent Discussions in the Community of Practice (2017)
Using the Emergency Management Virtual Toolkit to Enhance K-12 Emergency Management Planning (2017)
Happy Safe and Healthy New Year From the REMS TA Center (2017)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Fall 2016
Dear Preparedness Partner: Get Ready to ShakeOut (2016)
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Spring 2016
News & Updates from the REMS TA Center, Winter 2015
REMSExpress
REMSExpress articles highlight emerging issues in emergency operations planning, as well as information on important resources available to schools and institutions of higher education. Contributors to newsletters include experts in school safety. Click an issue below to download a PDF copy of the publication.
Maximizing Student Participation in the Higher Education EOP Planning Process (2014)
K–12 Six-Step Planning Process (2014)
Six-Step Planning Process for Institutions of Higher Education (2014)
Principles for Creating a High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plan (2014)
Principles for Creating a High-Quality Higher Ed Emergency Operations Plan (2014)
Highlights From the Field (2008)
Collaboration: Key to a Successful Partnership (2008)
Español—Colaboración: La Clave para una Asociación Exitosa (2008)
Beyond the School Walls: Community Events and Their Impact on Schools (2007)
Emergency Management in Nontraditional School Settings (2007)
Emergency Management Opportunities and Challenges for Non-Public Schools (2007)
Paying Tribute to Deceased School Community Members (2007)
Coping With the Death of a Student or Staff Member (2007)
Tapping Into Nontraditional Community Partners for Emergency Management (2007)
Creating Emergency Management Plans (2006)
Schools Respond to Infectious Disease (2006)
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) (2006)
Food Safety and Food Defense for Schools (2006)
All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio Network Now Available (2006)
Emergency Exercises: An Effective Way to Validate School Safety Plans (2006)
The National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) (2006)
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned are brief descriptions of actual school emergencies. They spotlight the critical actions, decisions, and events that took place before, during, and after a real incident. Lessons Learned demonstrate what worked and did not work so that all school communities can strengthen their emergency management activities throughout the six-step planning process. Click an issue below to download a PDF copy of the publication.
Recurring Flooding at Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo, North Dakota (2012)
Retraumatization: How One College Campus Responded to Emotional Reinjury (2010)
Responding to a Suicide Cluster: Palo Alto School District (2010)
Español—Cómo Responder a Suicidios en Grupo: Distrito Escolar de Palo Alto (2010)
Emergency Management Planning for After-School Programs Focus: Napa County Office of Education (2010)
Coordinating a Response to H1N1: One District's Experiences (2009)
Bus Crash at Lakeview Public Schools (2009)
H1N1: Responding to an Outbreak in New York City Schools (2009)
Responding to Infectious Disease: Multiple Cases of Staph Infections in a Rural School District (2008)
Communication and Collaboration During Natural Disasters: The Lessons Learned From Past Experience (2008)
Responding to School Walkout Demonstrations (2008)
Responding to and Recovering From an Active Shooter Incident that Turns Into a Hostage Situation (2007)
Recovering From Natural Disasters: Preparation Is Key (2007)
Incorporating Chemical Hazards Into an Emergency Management Plan (2007)
Managing an Infectious Disease Outbreak in a School (2007)
Coping With Multiple Suicides Among Middle School Students (2007)
After-Action Reports: Capturing Lessons Learned and Identifying Areas for Improvement (2007)
A Coordinated Response to Multiple Deaths in a School Community Helps the Healing Begin (2006)
Success Stories
Success Stories offer brief profiles of specific activities, tools, or strategies developed or utilized by school districts or institutions of higher education that have been successful for schools or colleges across the country, and could be replicated by other sites. Click an issue below to download a PDF copy of the publication.
Promoting Emergency Preparedness Among Non-English Speaking Students (2012)
Code Blue: Seton Hall University Website for Emergency Preparedness and Response (2011)
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR Training: Daytona State College (2011)
Teen CERT Credit Course: Lincoln County School District (2011)
Helpful Hints
Helpful Hints provide a quick overview of school emergency preparedness topics that are frequently the subject of technical assistance inquiries. Inquiries and requests for assistance can be sent to the REMS TA Center at info@remstacenter.org or by calling toll-free 1-855-781-REMS [7367]. Click an issue below to download a PDF copy of the publication.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Students and Teachers: Listen, Protect, Connect—Model & Teach (2008)
Educator Sexual Misconduct What School Staff Need to Know and Do (2008)
Engaging Students in Emergency Management (2008)
Establishing and Developing Strategic Partnerships With Media Representatives (2007)
Families as Partners in School Emergency Management (2007)
Emergency Management Planning for Institutions of Higher Education (2007)
Engaging Administrators in School Emergency Management (2007)
Planning and Conducting a Functional Exercise (2007)
Updating and Maintaining School Emergency Management Plans (2007)
Components of Comprehensive School and School District Emergency Management Plans (2007)
Steps for Developing a School Emergency Management Plan (2007)
Emergency Go-Kits(2006)
Related Resources
Email us at info@remstacenter.org to submit topic suggestions for future newsletters.