Emergency Management Planning for Schools

2024-2025 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

Also see DESE's Bullying Prevention and Intervention and Medical and Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan web pages for additional information on school safety laws and regulations.

Additional Information and Resources

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

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Information for Families

• Helping Children Cope with Emergencies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) : Tips for parents and educators on how to talk with children about violence, including reassurances of safety, maintaining routines, listening to children's concerns, and managing media consumption.
• Family Emergency Plan, FEMA's Ready.Gov
• Prepare My Family for a Disaster | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) prepare families for a disaster

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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 26, 2025