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In 2013, the federal government released the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans (School Guide) and the Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE Guide), based on extensive emergency planning work by the federal government. The School Guide and IHE Guide are the first joint products of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency); the U.S. Department of Justice (led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation); the U.S Department of Health and Human Services; and the U.S. Department of Education on this critical topic. Since their release, federal agencies have continued to create interagency resources to support schools, school districts, and IHEs with emergency operations plan (EOP) development, many of which are included on this page. In 2019, federal partners released The Role of Districts in Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans: A Companion to the School Guide (the District Guide) to further support the EOP development process for schools and school districts. Within the Guides, it is recommended that emergency management planning teams at education agencies use a six-step planning process to create, revise, and refine EOPs. Since EOP planning requires input from various stakeholders, the Guides recommend collaboration with key community partners to carry out each step in the planning process. View the six steps below:

K-12 Safety Practitioners: Learn more about the School Guide and District Guide.
Higher ed Safety Practitioners: Learn more about the IHE Guide.
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Preventing and Addressing Gun Violence in Schools: High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans Build School Emergency Preparedness Capacity Webinar

REMS TA Center

Preventing and Addressing Gun Violence in Schools: School Safety Starts With Prevention Webinar

REMS TA Center

Collaborating With Faith-Based Organizations to Enhance School Emergency Operations Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center; and U.S. Department of Education, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

Hate Speech and Bullying Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

After-Action Reviews and Reports for K-12 Schools and School Districts Online Course

REMS TA Center

Oil & Gas Pipeline Spills Since 1986

ArcGIS Online; Climate Alliance Mapping Project

National Inventory of Dams

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Cybersecurity for K-12 Schools and School Districts: Developing a Cyber Annex Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

National Risk Index Website

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency

2023 National Preparedness Report

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency

EOP ASSESS Web Application

REMS TA Center

Specialized Training Package: Building Multi-Disciplinary Core Planning Teams Module

REMS TA Center

State Education Agency Roles in School Safety Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Timeless School Safety Strategies Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Sextortion: Protecting Youth Through the School Emergency Operations Plan Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Fentanyl and Opioids: Preventing Overdoses and Related Emergencies at K-12 and Higher Education Campuses Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills Web Page

REMS TA Center

Family Reunification Sample Annex: A Fictional Example for Family Reunification Before, During, and After an Emergency

REMS TA Center

REMS on the Air Podcast: Analyzing the Purpose of After-Action Reviews and Reports Series

REMS TA Center

Chemical Management: Planning for Toxic Materials in School Laboratories and the Accidental Release of Hazardous Materials From Within the School Case Study

REMS TA Center

Shelter-in-Place Sample Annex: A Fictional Example for Schools Before, During, and After an Emergency

REMS TA Center

Lockdown Sample Annex: A Fictional Example for Schools Before, During, and After a Lockdown

REMS TA Center

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design: Enhancing the Security of Your K-12 School Using an All-Hazards Approach Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Best Practice Considerations for Armed Assailant Drills in Schools

National Association of School Psychologists; National Association of School Resource Officers; and Safe and Sound Schools

The Role of Athletic Directors in School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) IHE 101 Live and Virtual Trainings by Request

REMS TA Center

Evacuation Sample Annex: A Fictional Example for Schools Before, During, and After an Evacuation

REMS TA Center

Earthquake Sample Annex: A Fictional Examples for Schools Before, During, and After an Earthquake

REMS TA Center

Private Schools: Emergency Management Planning for All Settings Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center; and U.S. Department of Education, Office of Non-Public Education

Bereavement, Memorials, and Anniversaries: Developing a Recovery Annex for K-12 Schools Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) K-12 101 Live and Virtual Trainings by Request

REMS TA Center

LEA School-Based Emergency Management Contact List Planning Document

REMS TA Center

Developing Comprehensive and Equitable School Safety Programs that Consider the Whole Child, Whole School, and Whole Community Webinar

REMS TA Center; and Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety

Resources on Developing Comprehensive and Equitable School Safety Plans That Consider the Whole Child, Whole School, and Whole Community Resource List

REMS TA Center

K-12 Schools Cyber Tabletop Exercise Situation Manual

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Higher Education Improvised Explosive Device Threat Tabletop Exercise Situation Manual

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Resources on the Role of School Nutrition Directors in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

The Role of School Nutrition Directors in School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Using NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) to Enhance School and Higher Education Emergency Preparedness and Response Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center; and U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

Functional Exercises: Practicing the Plan With Multiple Community Partners Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Resources for K-12 Emergency Exercises Resource List

REMS TA Center

Key Terms in School and Higher Ed Emergency Management Planning

REMS TA Center

Collaboration and Community Partnerships: Strategies for Effective School and Higher Ed Emergency Operations Plan Development Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Collaborating With the Media: Establishing Strategic Partnerships for Emergency Operations Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Collaborating With Youth-Serving Organizations to Enhance School Emergency Operations Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

K-12 Online Classrooms: Emergency Management Planning for All Settings Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center; and U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology

The Role of Public Health Officials in School Safety Efforts as Community Partners Webinar

REMS TA Center

Resources on the Role of Public Health Officials in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

The Role of School Administrators in School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Resources on the Role of School Administrators in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

Charter Schools: Emergency Management Planning for All Settings Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Resources on the Role of Mental Health Professionals in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

The Role of School Mental Health Professionals in Supporting School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Pandemic Planning: Developing an Infectious Disease Annex Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Whole Community Planning: Incorporating Community Events Into Emergency Operations Plans and Coordinating With Partners Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Rural Schools: Emergency Management Planning for All Settings Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Developing a Bomb Threat Annex: Enhancing the Higher ed Emergency Operations Plan Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Lockdown Drills Online Course

National Center for School Safety

The Role of K-12 Transportation Directors in School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Resources on the Role of K-12 Transportation Directors in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

Collaborating With K-12 Administrators: Engaging Leadership in School Emergency Operations Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center; and National Association of Secondary School Principals

Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety Quick Reference Guide

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

How to Conduct an After-Action Review

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

Data Breach Scenario Trainings

Privacy Technical Assistance Center

The Role of Teachers in School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Resources to Support the Role of Teachers in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

Resources on Community Engagement Specialists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Resource List

REMS TA Center

Emergency Operations Plan Maintenance: Reviewing, Updating, and Strengthening Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

After-Action Reports: Capturing Lessons Learned and Identifying Areas of Improvement Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Integrating K-12 Students With Disabilities Into School Emergency Management Planning Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Resources on Understanding the Role of School Nurses in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Resource List

REMS TA Center

Resources on the Role of School Facility Managers in School Safety Efforts Resource List

REMS TA Center

The Role of School Facility Managers in School Safety Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Resources on Understanding the Role of Information Technology Specialists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Resource List

REMS TA Center

Storm Events Database Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Environmental Information

Fire Weather Web Page

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

Storm Prediction Center Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

U.S. Tsunami Warning System Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

Daily U.S. Snowfall and Snow Depth Web Page

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Historical Hurricane Tracks Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Emergency Assessment of Post-Fire Debris-Flow Hazards Web Page

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S Geological Survey

National Environmental Public Health Tracking Website

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Outbreak Reporting System Dashboard

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Integrated Heat Health Information System Website

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Pipeline Mapping System Website

U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Understanding the Role of Information Technology Specialists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Webinar

REMS TA Center

Building Blocks to School Safety: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools and School Districts for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans

REMS TA Center

Cuaderno de Trabajo Interactivo de EOP ASSIST Folleta

REMS TA Center

Emergency Exercises: An Effective Way to Practice and Validate Emergency Operations Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Food Safety and Food Defense: Developing a Contaminated Food Annex Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

EOP ASSIST: A Free Web-Based App to Create Your EOP Flyer

REMS TA Center

K-12 School Planning and Response Teams: Developing and Enhancing the School Emergency Operations Plan Checklist

REMS TA Center

Virtual Table Top Exercise (VTTX) Program

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute

School District Planning and Response Teams: Developing and Enhancing the School Emergency Operations Plan Checklist

REMS TA Center

EOP ASSIST Interactive Workbook Flyer

REMS TA Center

Institution of Higher Education Planning and Response Teams: Developing and Enhancing the Higher ed Emergency Operations Plan Checklist

REMS TA Center

Car Crash Resulting in Student Deaths: A Local Case Study

REMS TA Center

Resources on Community Engagement Specialists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Resource List

REMS TA Center

Resources on the Roles of Families and Parents in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Resource List

REMS TA Center

Understanding the Role of Community Engagement Specialists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Webinar

REMS TA Center

Understanding the Role of Families and Parents in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Webinar

REMS TA Center

Safety Readiness Tool

Federal School Safety Clearinghouse

EOP ASSIST Software Application

REMS TA Center

Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning for Education Agencies: Ensuring Continuity of Feeding and Food Distribution During Prolonged Absences, Dismissals, and Closures TA Snapshot

REMS TA Center

Addressing Access and Functional Needs (AFN) in School and Higher Education Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) Webinar

REMS TA Center

EOP Escolar 101: Creación de Planes de Operaciones de Emergencia Escolar de Alta Calidad que Aborden Todas las Amenazas, Peligros, Ajustes y Tiempos Webinar

REMS TA Center

Exploring the REMS TA Center At a Glance: Safety, Security, Emergency Management, and Preparedness Services and Supports for Education Agencies Webinar

REMS TA Center

Free Emergency Management Planning Tools for Education Agencies in the Spanish Language Flyer

REMS TA Center

Herramientas de Planificación Gratis para el Manejo de Emergencias para Agencias de Educación en el Idioma de Español Folleta

REMS TA Center

Integrating Family Reunification Planning Before, During, and After an Emergency Into the School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Recursos en el Idioma Español Sobre la Planificación de Gestión de Emergencia en las Escuelas Lista de Recursos

REMS TA Center

Resources on Understanding the Role of School Psychologists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Resource List

REMS TA Center

Spanish Resources on School Emergency Management Planning Resource List

REMS TA Center

Understanding the Role of School Psychologists in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Webinar

REMS TA Center

Virtual Trainings by Request (VTBRs): Support for Your Education Agency’s Emergency Preparedness Efforts Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Emergency Exercises Training Package

REMS TA Center

School EOP Planning 101: Creating High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans That Address All Threats, Hazards, Settings, and Times Webinar

REMS TA Center

School EOP Planning 101: Modifying and Enhancing Efforts to Practice School Emergency Operations Plans Webinar

REMS TA Center

Resources on Creating High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans That Address All Threats, Hazards, Settings, and Times Resource List

REMS TA Center

Understanding the Role of School Nurses in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency Webinar

REMS TA Center

Specialized Training Package: Overview of the Six-Step Planning Process for Institutions of Higher Education Module

REMS TA Center

EOP Interactive Tools Web Page

REMS TA Center

Conducting Assessments to Help Your Education Agency Understand the Situation and Enhance Emergency Planning

REMS TA Center

How Your National School Safety Center Serves Institutions of Higher Education Webinar

REMS TA Center

Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning for Education Agencies: Ensuring Continuity of Teaching and Learning During Prolonged Absences, Dismissals, and Closures TA Snapshot

REMS TA Center

Modifying Education Agency Exercises and Drills in Response to the Pandemic: Protecting Students, Faculty, Staff, and the Whole School Community While Practicing Plans Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Federal Resources and Tools Supporting Use of The Role of Districts in Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans: A Companion to the School Guide and the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans Resource List

REMS TA Center

Trauma-Informed Care for Schools Before, During, and After Possible Emergency Events Webinar

REMS TA Center

Preparing for Floods at Institutions of Higher Education Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Preparing for Floods at State Education Agencies Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Wildfire Preparedness for K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher Education Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Select Federal Government Preparedness Trainings for the K-12 and Higher Ed Communities Resource List

REMS TA Center

Using the District Guide to Support Schools in the Development of High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans Webinar

REMS TA Center

EOP ASSIST Interactive Workbook

REMS TA Center

Resources on Preparing for Floods at Education Agencies Resource List

REMS TA Center

Managing Memorials and Anniversaries as a Part of Overall School and Higher Ed Safety Planning Webinar

REMS TA Center

Impacts of Lead Exposure on Learning and Integration into School Emergency Management Planning Webinar

REMS TA Center

Post-Disaster Reunification Resource List

REMS TA Center

Managing Donations and Volunteers as a Part of Education Agency Emergency Management Fact Sheet

REMS TA Center

Family Reunification Resource List

REMS TA Center

Food Safety and Emergencies: Preparedness Activities for Schools Resource List

REMS TA Center

Evacuation Resource List

REMS TA Center

Managing Donations and Volunteers Before, During and After Major Emergency Events at Schools, School Districts, and Institutions of Higher Education Resource List

REMS TA Center

General Mitigation and Resilience Resource List

REMS TA Center

Recovery Annex Resource List

REMS TA Center

Using the Five Preparedness Missions to Help Ready Your District and School for Emergencies Resource List

REMS TA Center

EOP ASSIST 3.0: Next Generation of Updates and Enhancements Webinar

REMS TA Center

Preparing for Study Abroad Emergencies for Higher Ed and K-12 Populations Resource List

REMS TA Center

Specialized Training Package: An Overview of the Features & Functions of EOP ASSIST 2.0 for State Agency Hosts and Their Stakeholders Module

REMS TA Center

Specialized Training Package: An Overview of the Features & Functions of EOP ASSIST 2.0 for School & School District Hosts and Their Stakeholders Module

REMS TA Center

Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning and Developing a COOP Annex Webinar

REMS TA Center

Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning and Developing a COOP Annex Resource List

REMS TA Center

Integrating Earthquakes Into School Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) Resource List

REMS TA Center

Incorporating Sextortion Prevention, Response, and Recovery Into School EOP Planning Resource List

REMS TA Center

Integrating Bullying Prevention Efforts Into Emergency Management Planning Resource List

REMS TA Center

Specialized Training Package: REMS TA Center: An Overview of Emergency Management Resources for K-12 Stakeholders Module

REMS TA Center

Using the School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Framework to Support Bullying Prevention Efforts Webinar

REMS TA Center

Incorporating Sextortion Prevention, Response, and Recovery into School Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) Webinar

REMS TA Center

Integrating Earthquakes into School Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) Webinar

REMS TA Center

Integrating Human Trafficking with Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) for K-12 Schools Webinar

REMS TA Center

Integrating Cybersecurity with Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) Webinar

REMS TA Center

Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) IHE 101 Online Course

REMS TA Center

EOP ASSIST: Features, Functions, and Recent Enhancements Webinar

REMS TA Center

Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) K-12 101 Online Course

REMS TA Center

Specialized Training Package: Overview of the Six Step Planning Process Module

REMS TA Center

EOP EVALUATE Web Application

REMS TA Center

Integrating Cybersecurity with Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) for K-12 Schools Webinar

REMS TA Center

An Overview of the Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education Webinar

REMS TA Center

Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

The National Seminar and Tabletop Exercise Series for Institutions of Higher Education (NTTX) Program

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Academic Engagement

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency

National Poison Data System

American Association of Poison Control Centers

Campus Resilience Program Exercise Starter Kits (ESKs) Web Page

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Academic Engagement

Fire Incidents for States and Counties Web Page

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Volcano Hazards Website

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

Historical Flood Risk and Costs Web Page

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Exercises Web Page

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute

Guidelines and Resources for Colleges and Universities

Southern California Earthquake Center

Resources for K-12 Schools and Districts

Southern California Earthquake Center

OnTheMap for Emergency Management Website

U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau

Regional Tabletop Exercises for Institutions of Higher Education (RTTX) Program

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Academic Engagement

Leadership Tabletop Exercise for Institutions of Higher Education (LTTX) Program

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Academic Engagement

Page last updated: June 11, 2024