Training resources

Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS), Emergency Planning Web Site

Emergency Planning is part of the Department's Lead and Manage My School series, a group of web sites designed to support school-based administrators. OSDFS presents information and resources regarding general emergency management based on the four phases of emergency management: prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Though primarily geared towards K-12 schools, the information and general principles on this site are very relevant for institutions of higher education, as well.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management (ERCM) Technical Assistance (TA) Center Web Site

The ERCM TA Center Website offers additional school-based resources addressing crisis management through the four phases. Resources include the Web cast, training documents presented by experts and newsletters addressing key issues. Information on the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) discretionary grant program administered by OSDFS is updated annually.

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services offers a series of Problem-Oriented Guides for Police that also benefit the school community. This guide on school vandalism and break-ins provides cost-effective strategies for designing, operating and maintaining campus facilities and promoting security. It also addresses how educational institutions and local law enforcement agencies can work together to apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to assist in violence and crime prevention. The series addresses numerous topics (i.e., safety and security, drugs, homeland security issues, sexual assault and technology).

Emergency Management Institute (EMI)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and provides training in emergency management. EMI offers free on-line independent study courses for emergency management personnel.

“Bomb Threat Response: An Interactive Planning Tool for Schools.”

The Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS) and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated to develop a tool (CD) for schools and law enforcement. The CD is available for free, and it offers a comprehensive guide on how to best respond to bomb threats in schools. The planning tool offers guidance for schools administrators and law enforcement to develop policies specific to the school district and its unique needs. The “Bomb Threat Response” also addresses communication and presents guidelines for how to communicate during the response phase.

“Campus Public Safety: Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism Protective Measures”

Office for Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security produced this guide with resources for the more than 4,000 Title IV institutions of post-secondary education. The guide provides affirmative steps listed below to prevent, deter or effectively respond to a weapons of mass destruction terrorist attack.

West Virginia University VMC/ Homeland Security Programs

The West Virginia University VMC/ Homeland Security Programs has developed a series of courses for the Department of Homeland Security/Office for Grants & Training to support higher education emergency management efforts. Additional information, resources and tools are also available for the higher education community.