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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN (EOP)
What is an EOP?
It is an Emergency Operations Plan.
Where and when is the EOP training being offered?
EOP training is currently being provided through the regional ESC’s (Education Service Centers). Please contact the regional service center in your area or refer to the schedule on TxSSC web page (link).
When does the district EOP have to be in place?
Not later than March 1, 2006 each school district must adopt a multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan as required by Section 37.108, Education Code.
Who participates in a school EOP?
The core members of the district emergency management team should be trained on emergency operations planning.
Who conducts the training?
Texas School Safety Center or other comparable public or private entities can provide the training.
Who prepares your EOP?
EOP is prepared by the district emergency management team which should have received training on TEC 37.108 and new mandates.
What is being offered at the EOP training?
EOP is a full one-day training that focuses on the four major points of a plan, which includes Mitigation/Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. Participants will receive a template to be utilized as a guideline to develop their district EOP. A complete manual on a CD will be provided as a part of this training.
What happens if our district personnel do not attend the EOP training?
What if I missed the EOP training at my ESC?
You may attend EOP training at a different ESC if space is available. Additionally, 2 at large training are being scheduled in January. One will be conducted in Houston, while the second one is tentatively scheduled for San Antonio. TxSSC will continue to provide EOP training and workshops in the spring of 2006.
Do we need to dispose our previous/current crisis management plans and start all over from scratch?
No, much of the information in the old plans will remain the same and can be utilized in your new EOP.
Does our plan have to look exactly like the EOP Plan that has been designed as a template?
The plan format does not have to be identical to the template. However, all the information required must be included in the EOP. The template serves as an example and a guideline for creating your district plan.
How often should we update or review our plan?
The major review and update should occur annually. However, through the course of the school year as incidents may arise, this will also be a good time to review your plan.
Once the EOP is in place, who evaluates the plan?
Once the EOP is adopted and implemented, it must be evaluated and reviewed by the district Board of Trustees.
Is there a deadline for districts to have their security audits completed?
Yes – all districts must have all the first round of audits completed by September 1, 2008.
How do we go about getting a security or safety audit?
The way to get a security audit is by having your emergency management team trained by TxSSC to provide an on-site audit or by bringing in a third party to provide it for you.
Where do I find the tools to do a school audit?
TxSSC also created a Safety and Security Audit Toolkit to assist districts in performing security audits. This toolkit is available for download online at: Campus Safety and Security Audit Toolkit.
Can we still use Flip-Charts for the classroom?
Yes, you can continue using flip-charts.
We have contracted with a private entity to conduct our audit. Does this meet TEC 37.108 requirements?
Yes, as long as it is provided by a comparable entity to TxSSC.
What is TEC 37.108? What are its components and requirements?
§ 37.108. MULTIHAZARD EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN;
SECURITY AUDIT.
(a) Each school district shall adopt and
implement a multihazard emergency operations plan for use in
district schools. The plan must address mitigation, preparedness,
response, and recovery as defined by the commissioner in
conjunction with the governor's office of homeland security. The
plan must provide for:
(1) district employee training in responding to an
emergency;
(2) mandatory school drills to prepare district
students and employees for responding to an emergency;
(3) measures to ensure coordination with local
emergency management agencies, law enforcement, and fire
departments in the event of an emergency; and
(4) the implementation of a security audit as required
by Subsection (b).
(b) At least once every three years, a school district shall conduct a security audit of the district's facilities. To the extent possible, a district shall follow security audit procedures developed by the Texas School Safety Center or a comparable public or private entity.
(c) A school district shall report the results of the
security audit conducted under Subsection (b) to the district's
board of trustees.
What type of mandatory drills will we need to conduct in order to be compliant with TEC 37.108 legislation?
EOP must provide for mandatory school drills to prepare district students and employees for responding to an emergency. Some of the drills that can be considered are the following: shelter in place, lockdowns, building evacuations, site evacuations, reverse evacuations, and intruder alerts.
What is the authority at state and federal level?
State:
Texas Education Code 37.108
Government Code, Chapter 418 (Texas Disaster Act)
Government Code, Chapter 433 (State of Emergency)
Federal:
Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-5, Management of Domestic Incidents
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief & Emergency Assistance Act, (as amended), 42 USC§ 5121
