January 14, 2025

Action Tip: Schedule an annual review meeting with key stakeholders, including administrators, law enforcement, and first responders, to evaluate the plan and make necessary updates.

Review and Update Your Emergency Operations Plan

One of the most important aspects of school safety is having an up-to-date Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that addresses potential threats and hazards. In 2025, make it a priority to review and update your EOP to ensure it meets state and federal guidelines, reflects the latest best practices, and aligns with your school’s specific needs.

In 2025, it’s critical to make behavioral threat assessments (BTAs) a regular part of your school safety efforts. These assessments help identify students who may need additional support and ensure that intervention plans are in place to address potential threats.

Audit Your Behavioral Threat Assessment Practices

Action Tip: Conduct a BTA audit to ensure that all cases are up to date and track progress. Also, consider providing ongoing training for staff on trauma-informed care and behavioral threat assessment practices.

Action Tip: Schedule a comprehensive site evaluation, including a walkthrough with local first responders, to identify any weaknesses and ensure your security systems are working as they should.

Enhance Physical Security Measures

In 2025, take a close look at your school’s physical security infrastructure. From access control systems to campus security cameras, having robust security measures in place is essential to preventing and responding to threats.

Regular safety drills are critical to ensuring that everyone in the school community knows what to do during an emergency. This year, set a goal to schedule and practice at least one large-scale drill (e.g., lockdown, evacuation), and consider using technology to enhance communication during drills.

Focus on Safety Drills and Preparedness

Action Tip: Incorporate ways to receive feedback from staff and even students on the effectiveness of your current drill strategies.

Action Tip: Host open houses or safety nights to encourage involvement and share updates on school safety initiatives. Consider using newsletters and social media to keep the community informed and engaged.

Engage the Community in Safety Planning

Building a culture of safety requires collaboration between the school and the wider community. In 2025, focus on engaging parents, community members, and local organizations in discussions about school safety.

Collaboration with local law enforcement, first responders, and other safety experts is crucial for staying informed on the latest threats and safety practices. In 2025, continue to build strong relationships with these professionals to ensure your school’s safety protocols are effective.

Partner with Local Experts for Safety Improvements

Action Tip: Schedule regular meetings with local experts to discuss emerging safety concerns and review your school’s safety measures.

Safety enhancements can often be costly, but there are numerous grants and funding opportunities available to schools. In 2025, take the time to research and apply for grants that can help support safety initiatives.

Explore Funding Opportunities for Safety Enhancements

Action Tip: Set aside time to explore local, state, and federal grants and develop a strategy for submitting applications to fund safety technology, training programs, and other critical needs.

Action Tip: Update contact information for key personnel and test your communication systems regularly to ensure they are reliable and functional during emergencies.

Improve Communication Systems

Effective communication is key during any emergency situation. In 2025, review and optimize your communication systems to ensure that information can be quickly and clearly disseminated to all stakeholders in the event of a crisis.

SAFETY RESOLUTIONS

Focusing on School Safety in 2025:

How to Start the New Year Prepared

As we head into 2025, there’s no better time for schools to reassess and refocus on their safety strategies. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors is paramount, and the new year offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen the measures in place and address potential gaps. Whether you’re looking to enhance physical security, improve emergency planning, or foster a culture of safety, there are several key areas to consider as you prepare your school for the challenges ahead.

Here’s how you can focus on school safety in 2025 and set the stage for a successful, secure year ahead:

Consider utilizing tools such as nSide|Lockdown to streamline communication and tracking during drills.

nSide|Lockdown is a powerful communication and coordination tool designed to enhance school safety during emergency situations. It streamlines real-time communication between staff, administrators, and first responders, ensuring quick response times and effective tracking during lockdowns or other critical incidents.

Consider utilizing tools such as nSide|Assess to streamline your behavioral threat assessment process.

nSide|Assess is a digital case management system designed to support behavioral threat assessments in schools. It helps educators and administrators identify, track, and manage students in crisis by streamlining data, intervention plans, and collaboration between teams. With nSide|Assess, schools can take a proactive approach to student safety, ensuring timely and effective support.

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Schedule an nSide Site Security Assessments or download our free, self-guided Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Guide to conduct a thorough evaluation of your school’s physical security.

At nSide, we offer a comprehensive assessment conducted by certified professionals that evaluates your current safety measures and provides actionable recommendations for improvement. We analyze every aspect of your environment, from the surrounding neighborhood to the innermost parts of your facility. Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed analysis report that serves as a crucial resource for prioritizing safety planning across your entire district.

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Site Security Assessments

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Explore New Safety Technologies and Solutions

Technology is continuously evolving, and new tools and solutions can offer significant improvements to school safety. In 2025, make it a priority to explore new safety technologies that can enhance your school’s preparedness and response.

Moving Forward in 2025

As we move into 2025, focusing on school safety should be at the top of every school leader’s agenda. With a proactive approach to safety planning, training, and community engagement, you can create an environment where students and staff feel safe, supported, and prepared. By taking actionable steps in these areas, you’ll set the stage for a secure and successful year ahead.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Download our free Safer Schools Checklist today! This comprehensive resource is designed to guide you through the essential safety measures outlined in this blog, ensuring your school is equipped to address potential risks and challenges in 2025.

Download the Safer Schools Checklist now and start building a safer future for your school community!

MAKE MY SCHOOLS SAFER IN 2025

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Discover current and upcoming grants to support your school safety initiatives on the nSide Funding webpage. Easily search for funding opportunities by state tailored to safety technology, training, and infrastructure improvements. Start exploring today to secure resources that help protect your students and staff.

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Focusing on School Safety in 2025: How to Start the New Year Prepared