District-Wide Safety Plan

Committed to the Safety and Well-Being of Every Scholar and Staff Member

The Hempstead Union Free School District places the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of our scholars, staff, and community. Our District-Wide School Safety Plan is developed in accordance with the New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Law and provides a comprehensive framework for emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Purpose of the Plan

The District-Wide Safety Plan is designed to:

• Ensure the protection and well-being of all individuals in our schools

• Establish clear protocols for responding to a wide range of emergencies

• Coordinate district-level safety efforts with local emergency responders

• Promote communication and awareness among students, staff, and families

• Comply with state and federal safety mandates and best practices

This plan serves as a guide for district-level safety policies and supports each building’s confidential School Emergency Response Plan (ERP).

Key Components of the Plan

• Emergency Response Protocols (fire, lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place)

• Threat Assessment and Risk Reduction Strategies

• Communication Systems for Emergencies

• Coordination with Local Law Enforcement and First Responders

• Security Measures and Visitor Procedures

• Annual Safety Drills and Staff Training

• Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Support

• School Safety Team Roles and Responsibilities

• Recovery and Reunification Planning

Public Participation & Review

The District-Wide School Safety Plan is reviewed and updated annually and is available for public comment for at least 30 days prior to adoption by the Board of Education. Stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, and community members—are encouraged to provide feedback during this process.