• Organizational Preparedness Evaluation for Schools and Childcare Facilities

    Purpose: This assessment helps school and childcare administrators evaluate the strength of their emergency preparedness and safety planning. The questions reflect nationally recognized emergency planning principles and FEMA’s multi-hazard planning guidance for schools.

  • Instructions

    Please answer each question based on your current level of preparedness. Response Options: Yes – This capability is in place and maintained. No – This capability does not currently exist. Not Sure – You are uncertain if the capability exists.

  • Organizational Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • School Day Care Type*

  • Section 1 - Emergency Planning Leadership

  • 1. Does your school or daycare have a written Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)?*
  • 2. Has the emergency plan been reviewed or updated within the past year?*
  • 3. Has a planning team been established to maintain the emergency plan?*
  • 4. Are staff roles and responsibilities clearly defined for emergencies?*
  • 5. Are substitute staff or temporary staff provided guidance on emergency procedures?*

  • Section 2 - Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

  • 6. Has your organization conducted a formal hazard or risk assessment?*
  • 7. Does your assessment consider natural hazards (storms, earthquakes, floods)?*
  • 8. Does it include technological hazards (power failures, hazardous materials)?*
  • 9. Does it include human-caused threats (violence, criminal activity, terrorism)?*
  • 10. Are identified hazards prioritized based on likelihood and potential impact?*
  • Which hazards are addressed in your emergency plan? (Select all that apply)*

  • Section 3 - Prevention & Mitigation

  • 11. Are access control measures in place to limit unauthorized entry?*
  • 12. Are visitor management procedures used for anyone entering the facility?*
  • 13. Are security cameras or monitoring systems used where appropriate?*
  • 14. Have structural safety measures been implemented to reduce hazard impacts?*
  • 15. Are maintenance procedures used to address safety risks before they become emergencies?*

  • Section 4 - Emergency Response Procedures

  • 16. Are evacuation procedures documented and communicated to staff?*
  • 17. Are lock-down procedures established for security threats?*
  • 18. Are shelter-in-place procedures established for severe weather or hazardous materials?*
  • 19. Does the school have a student accountability process during emergencies?*
  • 20. Are emergency communication procedures established for staff and responders?*

  • Section 5 - Incident Command & Coordination

  • 21. Does the emergency plan follow Incident Command System (ICS) principles?*
  • 22. Are staff members trained on their specific response roles?*
  • 23. Has your organization coordinated planning with local fire, law enforcement, and EMS agencies?*
  • 24. Have local responders reviewed or become familiar with the facility layout?*
  • 25. Are emergency contact lists maintained for key response partners?*

  • Section 6 - Training & Exercises

  • 26. Do staff members receive annual emergency preparedness training?*
  • 27. Are fire drills conducted regularly as required by local regulations?*
  • 28. Are lock-down or security drills conducted periodically?*
  • 29. Are severe weather or shelter drills conducted?*
  • 30. Are after-action reviews conducted after drills or exercises?*

  • Section 7 - Communication & Parent Notification

  • 31. Does your organization maintain a parent or guardian emergency notification system?*
  • 32. Are procedures established for communicating with parents during emergencies?*
  • 33. Does the school have a student reunification plan for releasing children safely?*

  • Section 8 - Emergency Supplies & Resources

  • 34. Are emergency kits or supplies available in classrooms or offices?*
  • 35. Are first aid supplies and emergency medical resources readily accessible?*

  • Section 9 - Recovery & Continuity

  • 36. Does the organization have a recovery plan to resume operations after an incident?*

  • Scoring System

    Yes = 2 points No = 0 points Not Sure = 0 points Maximum Score: 72

  • Readiness Levels

    60–72 – Strong preparedness foundation 40–59 – Moderate readiness with improvement opportunities 20–39 – Preparedness gaps likely exist 00–19 – Significant planning improvements recommended

  • Next Step Recommendation

    After completing this assessment, administrators may choose to conduct a deeper review of their preparedness planning to strengthen safety procedures, staff training, and coordination with community responders.

  • Disclaimer

    This assessment is intended for educational and planning purposes only. It does not replace professional safety, legal, or regulatory guidance and should not be interpreted as emergency command or response instruction.
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