Safety/Security Drills

Why We Do Drills

At school, safety of all students and staff is our top priority. That’s why we regularly conduct emergency drills — so everyone knows exactly what to do if there is a fire, bus emergency, or other serious threat. These drills are required under Pennsylvania law, and help ensure that all students and staff can respond calmly and effectively in an emergency.

What State Law Requires

Our drill schedule is guided by 24 P.S. § 15-1517 (Fire and Emergency Evacuation Drills) and related guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). 

• Monthly fire drills: Every school building where fire-escapes, fire-exits, or fire equipment are required by law must hold at least one fire drill each month while school is in session. The fire drill must include actual evacuation: students and staff leave the building via exits or fire-escapes, and go to a safe location outside. 

• Bus evacuation drills: For any school that uses or contracts school buses for student transportation, the law requires two emergency bus evacuation drills per school year — one during the first week of school, and one in March. These drills include instruction on emergency exit doors, fire extinguishers (if equipped), and safe evacuation in case of fire or accident. 

• School security (intruder/other threats) drills allowed: In addition to fire and bus drills, the law permits schools to conduct “school security drills” — planned exercises (other than fire or natural-disaster drills) to prepare for emergencies such as armed intruders, acts of terrorism, or violent threats. 

• Security-drill schedule: Since the 2018–2019 school year, each school building must conduct one security drill within the first 90 days of the school year in place of a scheduled fire drill. After that, schools may conduct up to two additional security drills per building per school year (each replacing a regular monthly fire drill). 

• Who oversees and how drills are conducted: Security drills must be overseen by the school’s chief administrator or a designee, and must take place while school is in session with students present. Schools must notify and — when appropriate — request assistance from local law enforcement or emergency management agencies prior to conducting the drill. 

• Parental/guardian notice: Before any security drill, parents or legal guardians must be notified in advance. 

• Reporting and certification: Each year, the district must certify to PDE that all required drills (fire, security, bus evacuations) were completed. Fire drill data (or substitute security drills) must be submitted to the state by July 31. Security-drill completion must be reported by April 10 annually.

What Our Drills Look Like — What Parents Should Know

In our district, we combine the legal requirements with best practices — including use of the I Love You Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocol and the Run-Hide-Fight model for intruder drills. Here’s how that works:

• Fire drills follow traditional evacuation: when the alarm sounds, students and staff exit quickly and quietly under teacher supervision, and meet at designated safe areas outside.

• Bus evacuation drills for students riding or riding buses (or in case of field trips) — we review how to locate exits, use emergency exits, and safely evacuate in case of fire or accident.

• Security / intruder drills use age-appropriate language and procedures depending on grade level. We practice the steps of Run-Hide-Fight or other appropriate responses, and adapt the protocol to be developmentally appropriate for younger children while maintaining clear safety expectations for older students.

• Coordination with local authorities: We inform and work with local law enforcement and emergency management before drills — sometimes they join us — to ensure drills are realistic, relevant, and conducted safely for all.

• Advance parent/guardian notifications: Before intruder/security drills, we notify parents or guardians of when the drill will occur (approximate time frame), along with context and what to expect. We strive to be transparent so families feel informed and comfortable.

• Documentation and compliance: We keep detailed records of every drill — date, type (fire, security, bus), building, participation — and ensure reporting to the state, as required by law.

Why This Matters

• Preparedness saves lives: Regular practice means that in a real emergency — whether fire, bus accident, or violent threat — students and staff know what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe.

• Reduces panic, increases confidence: By using clear protocols and age-appropriate language, we aim to reduce fear and confusion, especially for younger students, while ensuring everyone understands the importance of safety.

• Compliance with state law: Holding required drills in a timely manner, documenting them, and reporting to the state helps ensure our district meets its legal obligations.

• Transparency and trust: We believe in keeping families informed — about when drills happen, why they happen, and what students are learning — so that you can support your children and reinforce safety at home.