SCHOOL SAFETY CHECKLIST (v.6.15)
This checklist is a compilation of documents, actions and policies that SAES believes are important
to the safety and security of its member schools and constituents and serves as a comprehensive list
of best practices. This checklist is not an exhaustive list, but serves as a foundation for school
planning. It is important to consult with local, state, and federal authorities for definitive information
regarding school health, safety, and security. Please check ( ) the box if the school has
knowledge/evidence that the item has been addressed. If the item does not apply, please write “n/a”
for “not applicable.”
Item
Organization &
Administration,
Teaching &
Learning
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
SAES 6.14.2015
Emergency contact information
Immunization records (up-to-date and in compliance with state
requirements/codes)
Medical records retention and access policy, HIPPA
requirements re: privacy
Student/employee records retention and destruction policy and
safe and secure storage, on-site and off-site
Family emergency contact information
Medical release forms
Policy for communicable and non-communicable diseases
Policy for exclusion and/or medication program for reasons of
illness
Vision and hearing screening
Spinal screening
Dispensing and storage of medication
Blood-borne Pathogens
Family and Medical Leave
CPR and First Aid training
Policy of adult : student ratio on field trips, playground
supervision, etc. Field trip and travel liability
Policy on alcohol and other drugs
Code of Conduct which includes expected, responsible employee
behaviors and repercussions for negative behaviors
Policy on harassment, bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct, and
sexual assault
Policy on conflict resolution
Expectations/policies for student behavior and discipline
1
Item
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Facilities &
Safety
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
SAES 6.14.2015
Requirement for after-school programs, including tutoring and
specialty classes
Student media release permission
Safeguarding God’s Children, Safeguarding God’s People, and other
child abuse/sexual harassment training, including policy on
reporting child abuse/harassment
Protocols for screening/background checks of adults, including
high school and college student employees/volunteers, parent
volunteers, host families
Protocols for access to and storage of immigration records (I-9’s,
I-20’s, etc.)
Faculty/Staff or Employee Handbook
Parent/Student/Family Handbook(s)
Residential/Boarding Handbook
Guidelines for Homestay Program
Risk Management Plan
Certificate of Occupancy
Church-School shared space agreement [also in Episcopal
Identity, School Climate & Culture section]
Conduct and document fire, lock down, intruder on campus,
severe weather, bomb threat, campus/building
evacuation/relocation emergency drills.
Fire prevention orientation
Inspection of fire and other emergency alarm system
Inspection of sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers
Inspection of smoke detectors
Inspection of carbon monoxide detectors
Inspection of HVAC systems
Inspection of major electrical connections (inside and outside
buildings)
Inspection of playground equipment, on a monthly basis
Inspection of swimming pool, water safety and pool access
Inspection of elevator(s)
Inspection of water quality/well water
Inspection/registration of school vehicles
Asbestos inspection (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
- AHERA) and remediation, if required
Lead paint remediation, if required
Program licensing (i.e. day care)
Pest control protocols
Secure and safe playground and other outside areas
Parking and/or traffic pattern restriction, carpool guidelines (e.g.,
for drop-off and pick-up, major school events, etc.)
Handicap parking requirements
Public street access
Construction permits
Campus signage
Campus lighting
Third-party events on campus
Use of municipal facilities
Tree trimming/removal, landscaping
Policy on transporting children in school and personal vehicles,
2
Item
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
SAES 6.14.2015
including checks for valid driver’s license, safe driving record,
current insurance coverage, verification that no driver is under
the influence of anything that caused impaired
judgment/reaction/reflex
Copies of drivers’ licenses and auto insurance
Seat belt/car seat requirements (e.g., passengers may not exceed
# of seat belts)
Crisis Management/Response Team
School Safety Committee
School Safety Advisor
Regular campus facilities inspection
Policy on storage and use of chemicals, cleaning products, and
caustic/flammable/poisonous substances in science labs, art
studios, janitorial and maintenance areas, kitchens
Lab safety protocols
Sanitation and hygiene in all areas (hand sanitizers, cleaning,
sterilization, etc.)
Adequacy and maintenance of facilities
Requirements for use of facilities by third-party groups, including
insurance coverage and appropriate liability waivers and holdharmless provisions, even if groups involve a significant number
of students enrolled in the school or are supervised by school
personnel
Requirements for summer facilities use, including insurance
coverage and appropriate liability waivers and hold-harmless
provisions, even if groups involve a significant number of
students enrolled in the school or are supervised by school
personnel
Requirements for off-site school events
Requirements for third-party contractors who provide physical
services (i.e., food service, janitorial service, lawn/landscape
maintenance, etc.)
Emergency ingress/egress safety, expectation of orderliness and
tidiness of classrooms, hallways, stairwells, and other areas
Requirements for food service (temperature, storage, and
handling)
Policy on food allergies
Policy on animals in classrooms
Policy on firearms/weapons
CPR and first aid training
Extended day supervision and communication
Accident/Incident Report Policy, includes parent notification
and documentation
Safety Incident log
Crisis Response Plan - Tailored to meet individual school’s
needs. Developed in partnerships with other community groups
– law enforcement, fire/safety officials, emergency medical
services, health and mental health professionals, media. Goals:
mitigation & prevention, preparedness, response, recovery.
Some common examples of crises are:
 Arrests
 Bomb threat
 Child abuse
 Civil unrest
3
Item

Critical internal changes, such as unanticipated
leadership transition
 Disturbance or unsafe/unstable situation in school or
neighborhood
 Epidemic outbreak
 Fire/smoke or explosion
 Food-borne illnesses
 Hazardous materials leak
 Intruder/stranger on campus
 Lost or missing child
 Medical emergency, serious injury or sudden illness or
death
 Severe weather (earthquake, tornado, snow, hurricane)
 Structural or utility failure
 Traffic accident (car or school bus)
Security of campus from intrusion
Emergency communication messaging
Maintenance logs
Location of classrooms for early childhood classes
Safety/security audit to minimize risks
55
56
57
58
59
I acknowledge that this checklist accurately reflects the status of the noted health, safety,
and security items at the School.
School Name ______________________________________________
Head of School Name _______________________________________
Head of School Signature
Date
_________________________________
___________________________
SAES 6.14.2015
4