Ohio School Safety Center's Emergency Plan Evaluation Tool

Submit the completed form along with all required documents to the Ohio School Safety Center. You can send the documentation via email at OSSC@dps.ohio.gov, through fax at (614) 752-3547, or by submitting an online form available on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website. Physical submissions can be mailed to Ohio School Safety Center, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate for a smooth submission process.

Important dates for this form in 2024 and 2025 include the submission deadline of March 23, 2024, for threat assessment policies and training certificates, and subsequent annual compliance evaluations.

The purpose of this form is to conduct a thorough evaluation of a school's Emergency Management Plan (EMP) using the Gap Analysis and Evaluation Tool (GAT). This evaluation ensures that the EMP includes all required documents and meets the standards set by Ohio regulations (ORC 5502.262 and OAC 4501:5-1-01). By completing this evaluation, schools demonstrate their commitment to safety and preparedness, ultimately protecting students, staff, and the entire school community. Ensuring compliance with state regulations is crucial for maintaining a safe educational environment. This form facilitates the identification of gaps and areas for improvement within the school's current emergency management plan. Schools can then address these issues, update their procedures, and enhance their overall emergency preparedness. The tool also provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of existing safety measures and helps schools align with best practices in emergency management. Additionally, the completed evaluation document serves as a transparent record of the school's dedication to safety and regulatory compliance. By maintaining accurate and up-to-date emergency management plans, schools contribute to a safer community and foster a culture of preparedness. This form is an essential component of a comprehensive school safety strategy, helping educators, administrators, and policymakers work together towards a shared goal of protecting the well-being of all students and staff.

• 1. School Name: Enter the name of the school being evaluated.
• 2. School IRN: Provide the unique identification number for the school.
• 3. Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): Outline the building-specific emergency operations plan.
• 4. Floor Plan: Include a detailed floor plan of the school premises.
• 5. Site Plan: Attach a site plan showing the location of all school buildings and facilities.
• 6. Emergency Contact Information Sheet: Provide contact information for key emergency personnel.
• 7. Stakeholder Signature Page: Include signatures from key stakeholders to validate the plan.
• 8. Evaluator Comments: Include comments and notes from the evaluator regarding the plan.
• 9. Gap Analysis Summary: Summarize gaps identified during the evaluation and address necessary revisions.

If you fail to submit this form, your school's emergency management plan may be considered non-compliant. This could result in the need for revisions and resubmission within a specified timeframe.

• Non-Compliance: The school's emergency management plan will not meet state regulations, potentially putting students and staff at risk.
• Required Revisions: You will need to address gaps and deficiencies in the plan and resubmit the document for re-evaluation.

• 1. Annual Compliance: Evaluate the plan annually to maintain compliance with Ohio regulations.
• 2. Plan Updates: Use the form when updating the emergency management plan to address new safety concerns.
• 3. New Schools: Complete the evaluation for newly established schools to ensure initial compliance.
• 4. Policy Changes: Use the form to assess the plan when there are significant changes in safety policies.