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Friend, 

As we transition into the heart of the school year, the well-being and security of our students and staff remain at the forefront of our mission. In this month’s newsletter, we focus on an important and timely topic: fire (both structure fire and wildfire).

We recognize that fires can -- and do -- profoundly affect our schools and communities. Effectively managing these challenges requires not only awareness, but also a solid foundation of preparation and a coordinated community effort. Clear communication and collaboration among teachers, students, first responders, and parents are the foundation for ensuring everyone is confident and prepared to act swiftly.

I’m reminded of the Woolsey Fire in November 2018, which touched many communities in Southern California. We supported dozens of schools in and around Southern California including two who suffered severe structural damage. In particular, what I remember of those days -- and remember of so many days during crisis response -- is that the schools who proactively prioritized safety and security are the schools who have the best outcomes. This doesn't mean they were perfect. I've yet to see a perfect crisis response (even internally to Joffe!), but they were able to focus their communities and their leadership because of years, sometimes decades, of practice. 

Fires, whether they stem from natural causes or human error, can occur with little warning, but the impact can be mitigated with the right knowledge and strategies. We believe that a well-informed community is our strongest asset in promoting safety. We aim to empower every member of our school communities with the knowledge and tools needed to face these challenges with confidence.

Here’s to a new year of safety, resilience, and continued success for our school communities.

In strength,

Chris Joffe

Founder and CEO 

Safety Spotlight: Structure Fires & Wildfires

When on a recent campus visit, a head of school asked us, “With fire drills for structure fires, we evacuate. With wildfire season approaching, how should our response be different?” To answer this, we turned to our Joffe Safety Consultant, Liz.

That’s an important question and the answer is multifaceted. Wildfires present a unique challenge because they can either come with advanced warning or strike unexpectedly. The sooner you begin monitoring wildfires in your area and assessing their potential impact on the school, the better prepared you’ll be. In some cases, closing the school may be the best option, particularly if air quality reaches “very unhealthy” levels or evacuation watches or warnings are issued in your area. However, if a wildfire starts during school hours or conditions deteriorate, you may need to consider evacuation or shelter-in-place, depending on the situation. Local emergency services will guide the appropriate course of action, but your response will be more effective if you have established protocols and communications plans in place. Our Simple School Solutions dives into the recommendations and best practices for structure fires vs. wildfires.

September 9th Webinar: Join us on September 9th as Michael Wells, Deputy Fire Chief in Pennsylvania, shares insights and best practices on structure fires and wildfires. We look forward to seeing you there!

Add our webinars to your calendar:

Planning to attend or have questions about any of the events? Let us know!

Resources

Stop the Fear Factory: "A Plea from an Expert" Blog Post: Hear our concern on realistic drills and discover evidence-based alternatives that focus on fostering both physical and emotional well-being. Learn how to empower students through effective preparation that promotes safety without causing distress. Essential reading for parents, educators, and anyone dedicated to improving school safety.

Political Season Toolkit: Equip your school with our Safety for Schools During the Political Season toolkit designed to handle the election and beyond with confidence and clarity. Stay ahead with strategies that ensure safety and informed decision-making.

School Shooting Response Toolkit: In response to the high school shooting in Georgia yesterday, we have prepared a toolkit to assist you in addressing the first few days after a school shooting occurs at another school. If your school needs in-depth or comprehensive support, please reach out to us.

New Fall Programming

Charter School Virtual Safety Certification 

Joffe is launching a Charter School Safety Certification Course tailored for Operations Leaders at charter schools across the nation! This comprehensive course equips participants with vital crisis response skills, promotes collaboration within charter school networks, and shares best practices for daily operations.

Here’s what your Ops Leaders will learn to leverage:

• Defining Roles within Incident Command Systems
• Roadmap to Reunification
• Trauma-Informed Active Shooter Training

Enroll now for our October cohort to elevate your skills and make a lasting impact on your school's operations!

Independent School BTAT Training in Southern CA 

Boost your expertise in behavior threat assessment teams with our in-depth two-part training led by Joffe team members. This program covers essential behavior threat assessment practices and includes a personalized observation of your team in action. Register now to secure your spot for our October 11th training!

Not in Southern CA? We’re bringing BTAT training to more cities soon! Contact us for details.

Follow us on social media!

We regularly post updates, blog posts, and share resources specifically designed to support school health and safety.

X: @JoffeChris & @Joffeemergency

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