School Safety

Overview

In today’s environment, K-12 schools and school systems face an evolving and dynamic set of security risks and threats, ranging from acts of targeted violence to bomb threats to natural disasters. Schools also have unique needs, considerations, and challenges when it comes to safety and security. These factors can impact a school’s ability to carry out its educational obligations and provide a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for students.  

CISA’s Role

CISA, along with other organizations throughout government, law enforcement, and communities nationwide, supports K-12 schools and districts in their efforts to enhance school safety and security. CISA’s School Safety Task Force is the agency’s dedicated program established to strengthen schools’ safety and security across the country. CISA’s current and ongoing school safety efforts include the development of new programs and capacity-building products, training, and tools specific to strengthening protection and mitigation measures and capabilities at K-12 schools. 

CISA resources and programs are designed to help schools prevent, protect against, and mitigate security threats, risks, and emergency situations. CISA also recognizes that each school is unique and contends with an individual set of school safety needs, considerations, priorities, and challenges. School personnel can use these resources, programs, and tools to develop an actionable and comprehensive school safety plan tailored to their specific circumstances.