Why is it helpful to communicate about school safety even when there’s no emergency?
Communicating regularly about safety helps build trust. Families want to know that there are systems in place and that staff are prepared. Regular safety updates help families to feel informed and reassured. It also helps reduce confusion during emergencies, because families are familiar with our protocols and know where to look for important information.
What kinds of safety updates are good to share during a typical school year?
I like to share updates about security improvements, standard emergency protocols, safety drills, visitor check-in procedures, and any new tools or technology being used to support safety. Sharing photos or quotes from staff members involved in safety work can also make these messages feel more personal and engaging.
Safety communications can include reminders about the Standard Response Protocol, a set of uniform, planned, and practiced emergency responses that many school districts across the country have adopted. It’s a good idea to include Standard Response Protocol information, as well as mental health resources and instructions for reporting safety concerns, on a safety page on your school district website year-round.
At the same time, it is very important to make sure that your safety communications don’t reveal evacuation plans, campus maps, or other sensitive information that could compromise student and staff safety in an emergency.
What are some ways to communicate about safety that feel informative but not alarming?
I try to keep the tone calm and clear. For example, instead of saying “we’re preparing for threats,” I’ll say “we’re practicing how to respond in case of an emergency.” When possible, I connect the message to our commitment to student well-being and give families tools to support the conversation at home.
Hockinson School District included an article about their new safety notification system in their Smore newsletter to parents. They told parents when to expect a test text and included a link to a form for parents to sign up if they didn’t receive the text.
Where are the best places to communicate proactively about school safety?
I recommend using the channels your families already trust and check regularly. Newsletters, social media, and your district website are great places to start.
For more immediate or urgent messages, mass notification systems like email, text, and app alerts are essential. If you’re sharing something visual, like a new secure entry system, social media can be a good avenue to share that.
Washougal School District Facebook post: “In partnership with East County Fire & Rescue and the Camas-Washougal Fire Department, firefighters Chris, Cody, and William visited Columbia River Gorge Elementary to teach fire safety education to our kindergartners. Students saw the fire engine, and firefighters demonstrated the turnout gear that they wear in a fire. They taught students the importance of knowing the number to call in an emergency and not hiding from firefighters during an incident.”
Washougal School District Facebook post: “Thank you to the Police Activities League of SW Washington for visiting Columbia River Gorge Elementary School students and sharing safety information this month! Students met law enforcement officers, learned about their role in ensuring safety in our community, and got the opportunity to tour one of the vehicles. The Police Activities League focuses on building positive relationships between members of law enforcement and youth through educational and recreational opportunities. We are thankful for the contributions and support we receive from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Washougal Police Department, along with other first responders who work hard every day to keep our community a great place to learn, play and live.”
What role does communication play when a crisis happens?
In the ESD 112 communications team, we support school districts to respond to crises by getting accurate information out to appropriate audiences as quickly as possible. This includes drafting family messages, preparing holding statements, responding to the media, coordinating with district leadership and safety teams, and more. It’s important to communicate early to help prevent rumors and show that the district is being responsive.
