Emergency Management Planning for Schools

2025-2026 School Safety Advisory : A memorandum in collaboration between the Department of Fire Services (DFS) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) providing assistance with fire drills and various emergency plans.

Laws and Regulations

• An Act Requiring Automated External Defibrillators in Schools, Chapter 443 of the Acts of 2016 (approved January 13, 2017).
  • Related Department Guidance
• An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence, Bill H. 4376, Section 7 (approved July 30, 2014).
• An Act Relative to Medical Emergency Response Plans for Schools, Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2012 (approved April 18, 2012, amended 2022)
• Multi-Hazard Evacuation Plans for Schools, Section 363 of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 2000

Please see Bullying Prevention and Intervention, Medical and Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan, and School Resource Officer MOU Information and Resources webpages, along with other SFS program and initiatives, for additional information on DESE's efforts to support districts in providing safe and supportive learning environments.

Additional Information and Resources

• Evidence Based Programs, Curricula and Practices
• Information for Families
• Resources
  • By Topic
  • From State Agencies
  • At the National Level
• View all

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Resources

Resources at the National Level

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Caring for Children in a Disaster
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — School Safety
• The National School Safety Center
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Safe Schools/Healthy Student (SS/HS)
• US Department of Education - Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

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For more information or assistance, please contact:

The Office of Student and Family Support (SFS) via achievement@mass.gov or 781-338-3010.

Last Updated: February 2, 2026