Are There Hidden Safety Gaps in Your Building?
Most schools have emergency plans in place.
But many safety vulnerabilities aren’t found in written procedures, they’re found in the everyday environment.
This quick self-assessment is designed to help you:
Identify overlooked risks Evaluate consistency across your building Strengthen preparedness, without adding fear
Time to complete: 5–10 minutes
Instructions: Walk through your building (or reflect with your team) and consider the questions below.
Access & Entry Points
☐ Are all exterior doors consistently closed, monitored, and secured?
☐ Do staff know who is responsible for supervising entrances during arrival and dismissal?
☐ Are visitor entry procedures clearly defined and consistently followed?
Visibility & Supervision
☐ Are there areas in hallways or shared spaces with limited visibility?
☐ Is staff positioned intentionally during high-traffic times (not just assigned)?
☐ Can students be easily seen and supported throughout transitions?
Lockdown Readiness
☐ Do all classroom doors lock quickly and consistently?
☐ Are procedures the same across every classroom and staff member?
☐ Have drills been conducted in a calm, age-appropriate, trauma-informed way?
Communication
☐ Is it clear who is responsible for calling 911 during an emergency?
☐ Do staff know how information will be shared internally?
☐ Is there a backup plan if primary communication systems fail?
Facilities & Documentation
☐ Are floor plans current, accurate, and easily accessible?
☐ Have updates or renovations been reflected in official documents?
☐ Have plans been shared with local first responders?
People & Preparedness
☐ Do staff feel confident, not just compliant, when it comes to safety procedures?
☐ Is training focused on decision-making, not just following steps?
☐ Is safety approached in a way that reduces fear and builds confidence?
What to Look For:
If you found yourself pausing on several of these questions, you’re not alone.
Most schools uncover opportunities for improvement when they take a closer look.
That awareness is where meaningful progress begins.
