Classroom Emergency Readiness Checklist

Before an Emergency

If you travel between buildings and classrooms, you may face unique challenges when it comes to emergency planning. Regardless of which building you are in, it is important to be prepared and aware of the emergency equipment and resources available in each location.

Buildings often have multiple entry and exit points. Take time to identify and occasionally use different routes to increase your awareness.

The activities below are intended to help you prepare for an emergency before it occurs – they provide you with planning and mental rehearsal tips.

Emergencies can happen without warning, and waiting until one occurs may leave you with limited options and added stress.

Read the and consider how you will guide students during an emergency.

Identify the location of the closest emergency equipment:

  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire pull stations, if applicable

For severe weather situations, locate the closest severe weather shelter area that will accommodate your class. You should identify at least TWO locations, since locations may be full. NOTE: your classroom may already be a severe weather shelter area – look for signage.

Severe weather shelter area signage posted inside a classroom building

Fully familiarize yourself with your office, workspace and/or classroom.

Take time to mentally rehearse how you would respond to various emergency situations, such as fires, active threats, medical emergencies, or severe weather. Thinking through your actions in advance—where you would go, how you would communicate, and how you would assist others—can help you stay calm and act quickly under pressure.

Keep your cell phone charged and on. Although you are not required to carry a cell phone, having one could save your life. This allows you to receive alerts and contact emergency services.

Add your cell phone to .
This ensures you receive real-time emergency notifications via text and/or email.

Download the LiveSafe Mobile App.
This free app allows you to:

  • Report tips or request emergency services anonymously.
  • Share your location with 91勛圖 Police.
  • Enable friends or family to monitor your movements.
  • Share your concerns and suggestions with 91勛圖 Police.
  • Access critical safety information.

How to get it:
Visit the or and download the LiveSafe app (look for the blue shield icon). Choose 91勛圖 from the list of schools. Fill in your name and contact information so we can reach you in case of an emergency.

Practice exiting all classroom doors to have a clear understanding of where each door leads.

Walk through both the primary and secondary evacuation routes/paths.

Walk to and through the building exits, so that you know where you are exiting from. Determine where the closest Assembly Area is from the exit.

Avoid-Deny-Defend

Avoid (Active Violence Incident)

Get away if you can safely do so – Escaping is the top priority if there is a clear, safe route.

  • Walk your classroom-to-exit routes regularly. Know where each hallway or door leads.
  • If your classroom is equipped with a lock on the door, practice unlocking and opening the classroom door quickly. Some rooms may have different locking mechanisms.
  • If you decide to lead your class out, what tone and directions would you use?

Deny Entry (Active Violence Incident)

If escape is not possible, secure the space.

  • Mentally rehearse how you would secure the room
  • What lights to turn off, what furniture to use for barricades, what routes to avoid.
  • If your classroom is equipped with a lock on the door, practice locking the door quickly. They may operate differently by room.
  • Know the layout of your classroom and nearby areas. Plan how you and others might hide in the classroom.
  • Consider storage rooms, closets, or areas out of sight from doors or windows.
  • Know how to silence or mute electronics quickly (laptops, phones, tablets).
  • Know how to communicate silently with law enforcement, such as via silent text.

Defend (Active Violence Incident)

As a last resort and if you are in immediate danger, be prepared to fight back and defend yourself.

  • Mentally prepare yourself for this possibility. Taking action is better than freezing – decisive, even imperfect action increases survivability.
  • Identify objects in the room that could be used as improvised weapons to stop the attacker.