Seattle Public Schools

3432 Emergencies

The District is committed to having current plans and procedures in place to maximize safety for all students and staff in schools. To that end, the Superintendent or designee will ensure the District and its schools develop comprehensive all-hazard emergency operations plans that address prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies. 

Drills are also an essential component of safety preparedness. Drills teach students and staff basic functional responses to potential threats and hazards. The Superintendent or their designee will ensure each school in the District conducts at least one safety-related drill per month, including summer months when school is in session with students. Drill planning and implementation shall consider and accommodate the needs of all students. 

The Superintendent or designee is authorized to establish procedures for implementation of this policy and accomplishing the student safety measures further provided in state law. 


Superintendent Procedure:

Policy Cross References:

  • 3143 – Notification and Dissemination of Information About Student Offenses and Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm
  • 3225 – School-Based Threat Assessment
  • 3412 – Automated External Defibrillators
  • 3414 – Infectious Diseases
  • 4310 – District Relationships with Law Enforcement and Other Government Agencies
  • 4311 – School Safety and Security Services Program
  • 6670 – Emergency Transportation
  • 6883 – School & Instructional Site Closures

Previous Policies:

  • F40.00 – Emergency Management Plan
  • F41.00 – Earthquake Response Training
  • F42.00 – Fire Safety Fire Drills

Legal References:

  • RCW 19.27.110 International Fire Code.
  • RCW 28A.320.125 Safe school plans—Requirements—Duties of school districts and schools—Drills—Rules—First responder agencies.

Management Resources:

  • Comprehensive Safety Planning Toolkit; Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
  • WSSDA Policy & Legal News, August 2024, June 2022, February 2021, July 2017, June 2013, August 2008, October 2006, February 1999.

Last Board Review:

  • July 2, 2025

Revisions:

  • July 2, 2025
  • May 19, 2025 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310)
  • October 4, 2017
  • September 4, 2013

Adopted by the Board:

  • December 7, 2011