The principal, with their district's support and in conjunction with their administrative staff, should work to develop safety guidelines that are specific to the school. This process is not static, so the principal and the school safety team should meet regularly to identify new and emerging problems. Whether the issues pertain to violence, weather disasters or the potential for fire, the principal should make every attempt to stay alert to possible problems and make plans to avoid them or properly respond to them. Additionally, the principal should alert parents and the public to any growing concerns.
With more incidents of violence eroding the sense of safety in schools -- due to everything from bullying to mass shootings -- it is essential for the principal to address this concern. The National Crime Prevention Council recommends that schools work in cooperation with local law enforcement, developing protocols to share information regarding at-risk youth. The principal should declare the school a drug-free, gun-free, violence-free zone with a zero tolerance policy. The principal should encourage teachers and parents to share any peculiar behavior or moods from students. If a teacher notes that a student is depressed and withdrawn, it is worth noting and sharing with the principal, administration and the student's parents to find resources to help the student.
Whether schools lie in Tornado Alley or are in coastal areas and may experience threats from seasonal hurricanes, the principal needs to devise and implement a safety strategy. The principal and the safety team should tailor their safety measures to the school's design and layout. In any case, it is imperative to get students and staff out of harm's way. For a tornado, the principal and safety staff will guide everyone to a lower level of the building away from windows and the risk of broken glass and other debris. Schools in the path of hurricanes should follow their local evacuation strategies. Earthquakes, since they strike suddenly, usually require reactive safety guidelines that are developed through drills in advance. For each of these natural disasters, it is important for the principal to direct regular drills for preparation.
Fire drills should be held at least once a month during the regular school year, per National Fire Protection Agency standards. The agency also notes that, between 2005 and 2009, U.S. Fire Departments responded to 6,260 structure fires in schools. The principal should map out safe exit strategies based on each classroom location and make sure each room's attendant is fully aware of their room's procedures. Make sure that teachers consistently take attendance since the list will be invaluable in verifying each student's safety once everyone has left the building.