In February, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with several other federal government agencies, launched the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse website SchoolSafety.gov. The website is a one-stop-shop of resources for Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) administrators, educators, parents and law enforcement officers to use to prepare for and address various threats related to safety, security and support in schools.

Specifically, SchoolSafety.gov is a resource to access free information, guidance, best practices and tools that make school safety initiatives more actionable in schools. SchoolSafety.gov includes:

• The School Safety Readiness Tool, an assessment that allows users to evaluate their respective school’s safety posture across ten foundational elements of school safety. After completing the assessment, users are provided a personalized action plan with task prioritization, options for consideration, aligned resources and grant opportunities.
• A Secure Information Sharing Platform for designated school personnel to share school safety ideas, practices, plans and tactics in a protected environment.
• A wide array of resources and best practices on key school safety topics to build awareness within school communities, promote vigilance and develop each school’s ability to respond to incidents.

Check out the new site today to help your school increase its security preparedness, promote community readiness and enhance defensive measures.