Emergency Management Planning for Schools

2024-2025 School Safety Advisory: A memorandum in collaboration between the Department of Fire Services (DFS) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) providing assistance with fire drills and various emergency plans.

Laws and Regulations

• An Act Requiring Automated External Defibrillators in Schools, Chapter 443 of the Acts of 2016 (approved January 13, 2017).
  • Related Department Guidance
• An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence, Bill H. 4376, Section 7 (approved July 30, 2014).
• An Act Relative to Medical Emergency Response Plans for Schools, Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2012 (approved April 18, 2012, amended 2022)
• Multi-Hazard Evacuation Plans for Schools, Section 363 of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 2000

Also see DESE's Bullying Prevention and Intervention and Medical and Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan web pages for additional information on school safety laws and regulations.

Additional Information and Resources

• Evidence Based Programs, Curricula and Practices
• Information for Families
• School Resource Officer MOU Information
• Resources
  • By Topic
  • From State Agencies
  • At the National Level
• View all

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Resources

Resources from State Agencies

• School Resource Officer Model Memorandum of Understanding: This MOU is available as a resource for school districts and police departs to adapt for their use in defining SRO roles and responsibilities.
• Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
  • Fire Prevention in Schools
  • School Safety Memo — August 2024
  • School Fire Safety Reference
  • School Fire MFIRS Guidance
    • 3a. Form FP-200
  • PASS Barricade Statement
  • Fire Drill Record
  • School Fire Reporting Law Memo — January 2024
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health — School Health Services
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Massachusetts State Police

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For more information or assistance, please contact:

The Office of Student and Family Support (SFS) via achievement@mass.gov or 781-338-3010.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024