Omnibus School Safety
Under Delaware's Omnibus School Safety Act, all public and charter schools are required to develop and maintain a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) that is site-specific and compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). These plans are designed to enhance public safety by fostering a coordinated approach among schools, districts, and emergency responders during critical incidents, such as natural disasters, violent intrusions, or other emergencies.
Each CSSP is developed collaboratively by a school safety team comprising administrators, teachers, staff, law enforcement, and other first responders. The plans address a wide range of potential hazards and outline procedures for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Schools are mandated to review, update, and test these plans annually through drills and tabletop exercises to ensure readiness and compliance with state safety mandates.
The Delaware School Safety Center provides technical assistance and support to schools in developing and updating their CSSPs, ensuring that each plan effectively addresses the unique needs and circumstances of the individual school or district.
Under Delaware's Omnibus School Safety Act, each public and charter school is mandated to conduct at least one tabletop exercise and two lockdown or intruder drills annually. These exercises are designed to assess emergency readiness and the effectiveness of the school's Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP). The tabletop exercise involves key personnel, including first responders and school officials, discussing simulated emergency scenarios in an informal setting to identify potential gaps in the CSSP and improve performance. The lockdown or intruder drills familiarize faculty, staff, and students with procedures and expectations, ensuring a more effective response during actual incidents.
Delaware has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation, which outlines five key emergency actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. To encourage schools to practice all types of emergency responses, the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) offers flexibility in how drill requirements are met. Schools may substitute one or both of the required lockdown drills with drills focused on other SRP actions. This flexible approach helps ensure that schools are well-prepared for a wide range of emergencies while still meeting state safety mandates.
