School Safety

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) and its partners in the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities have created resources to help school districts create safe and supportive schools where students can thrive.

The Big Five

San Mateo County’s Big Five protocol provides five immediate action responses in any given emergency. These include Shelter in Place; Drop, Cover, and Hold On; Secure Campus; Lockdown/Barricade; and Evacuation. The Big Five has become the cornerstone of emergency response for San Mateo County’s schools. Versions of the Big Five are available for administrators, school staff, and the community.

• Administrator Packet
• Staff Packet
• Community Packet
• Facilities Report
• Hazard Responses

The recording for the recent Big Five Emergency Preparedness Training During COVID-19 can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/Big5COVID
The access password is w.@J=FM7

Emergency Management Resource Guide

Emergency management includes four key phases: mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Becoming familiar with all of these phases can help a school be better prepared in case of an emergency. 

Four Phases of an Emergency

Additional Safety Resources

Online Safety Guide for Parents of Children and Teens (English) (Spanish)

How to Talk to Your Children about Sex, Sexting, and Digital Safety (English) (Spanish)

Student Threat Assessment Process

CSEC Protocol

Student Sexual Assault Protocol

Reporting Sexual Harassment Poster (.docx) English 

Reporting Sexual Harassment Poster (.docx) Spanish

Suicide Prevention Protocol

Suicide is Preventable Poster

School Air Quality Activity Recommendations

Guidance Concerning Air Quality

Decision Making Guide for School Closure

Background on Safe and Supportive Schools Work

San Mateo County’s collaborative work on school safety began in April 2013, when Congresswoman Speier, Supervisors Horsley and Tissier, Sheriff Munks, Superintendent Anne Campbell, and retired Assemblymember Gene Mullin sponsored a summit, "Beyond Newtown: How to Ensure Safe Schools and Communities." The Coalition for Safe Schools and Community was created as a result of that summit.

Resources

The following resources include information presented at the Summit.