The New Jersey Department of Education issued guidance July 14 on recently enacted legislation (P.L.2009 c.178 (A-3002 / S-2518) which requires schools to conduct one fire drill and one security drill monthly beginning on November 1 2010 (Homeland Security Drills to Improve Emergency Preparedness Signed Into Law January 13 2010).
The new security drill requirement should practice the school’s procedures for responding to emergencies as outlined in the School Administrator Procedures: Responding to Critical Incidents that was provided in October 2007. Schools will need to coordinate with local emergency responders to update safety and security plans as well as procedures for drilling managing and responding to school emergencies.
The new law also requires that all full-time employees receive training on school safety and security and drills. The Department announced several regional trainings. The Department is providing regional training throughout the summer and fall. The sessions are designed to address the needs of school administrators and key personnel who will oversee implementation of the drills. The trainings will provide an overview and guidance on meeting the requirements of the new law.
North
- August 17 (Warren County): Warren County Vo-Tech Washington
- October (Union County): John H. Stamler Police Academy Scotch Plains
Central
- August 10 (Ocean): St Dominic School Brick
- September 14 (Mercer): NJSP Hamilton Tech Center Hamilton
South
- September 28 (Camden): Camden County Safety Center Blackwood
- November (Atlantic): Location TBD
Persons interested in attending these half-day sessions can register at: www.education.state.nj.us/events. The trainings are free. Registration is on a first-come first serve basis.
The Department continues to maintain a school security website at www.state.nj.us/education/schools/security/.
Questions on the trainings as well as the guidance provided by the Department can be directed to: Deborah Bleisnick or Deborah Dunne at (609) 633-6681 or schoolsecurity@doe.state.nj.us.