Schools must have at least one monthly drill with students while school is in session. The required exercise types vary due to each school’s unique geographic situation. Coordination with local fire and emergency responders is strongly encouraged.
Shelter-in-Place: To limit the exposure of students and staff to hazardous materials, such as chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants, released into the environment by isolating the inside environment from the outside
Lockdown: To isolate students and staff from threats of violence, such as suspicious trespassers or armed intruders, that may occur in a school or the vicinity of a school. Lockdown drills may only include live simulations or reenactments of active shooter scenarios that are trauma-informed and age/developmentally appropriate.
Evacuation: To move students and staff away from threats, such as fires, oil train spills, or tsunamis. A pedestrian evacuation drill must be included for schools in a mapped tsunami or lahar hazard zone.
Earthquake: To practice the “drop, cover, and hold” protocol, which can be coordinated with the statewide October Great Washington ShakeOut.
Schools document the date, time, and type of drill and maintain the documentation in the school office. Adapt this Sample Drill Reporting Form as needed for your use.
