Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Information → Emergency Preparedness

Watch this video for an overview of school safety and security procedures in MCPS.

Watch on MCPS TV (Comcast Ch. 34, Verizon Ch. 36, RCN Ch. 89) at the following times
Mon./Fri., 11:45 am and 6:45 pm; Tue./Thu., 10:15 pm.; Sat./Sun., 6 pm

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is prepared to effectively and efficiently respond to a multitude of emergency/crisis situations that may impact students, staff, and parents or guardians.

A systemwide plan, the MCPS Emergency Response Plan, in addition to emergency/crisis plans tailored to the individual school, enables MCPS to respond to and manage a multitude of emergencies/crises. The systemwide MCPS Emergency Response Plan is continually reviewed and updated.

Each year schools update their emergency/crisis plans, which are then reviewed and approved by the Department of School Safety and Security. Schools are required to practice fire evacuation drills throughout the year.

Each school establishes an on-site emergency team (OSET) composed of school administrators and staff who receive basic and enhanced levels of emergency/crisis preparedness training, conducted by the Department of School Safety and Security.

Emergency Preparedness Brochure (.pdf)

MCPS Emergency Preparedness Resources

Other Emergency Preparedness Resources

U.S. Government

School Emergency Planning
U.S. Department of Education
Personal Emergency Planning
U.S. Office of Homeland Security

Montgomery County

Other Resources

Mental Health Association of Montgomery County
School Safety
Information and resources from the National Education Association
Parent/Educators Crisis Issues
Special report from the Maryland State Department of Education
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis
From the Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Anxiety Disorders Association of America

Montgomery County Public Schools