Nebraska educators and responders participate in school safety reunification training

Groups of Nebraska educators, law enforcement officers, and first responders are collaborating with the Nebraska Department of Education's School Safety staff for specialized training sessions. These exercises, facilitated by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation, aim to enhance school safety reunification protocols at three locations across the state.

The Nebraska Department of Education will assist schools in building safe communities during emergencies by implementing the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) in practical exercises. These SRM-Reunification Exercises (SRM-REx) will allow schools and their communities to practice reuniting children with their families amidst simulated emergency incidents.

Participants will engage in one-day training, featuring hands-on simulation of emergency events at three locations. The exercises run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and aim to encourage collaboration among diverse partners, agencies, and school personnel. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of emergency response efforts.

"Parents practice reunification daily with their children when they pick them up from school," says NDE School Safety and Security Director Jay Martin. "However, during emergencies more people and challenges come into play, leading to chaos if it is not practiced. These events are meant to reduce the potential of chaos and be as prepared as possible for an emergency."

Organizers will also focus on proactive measures for preventing emergencies, including establishing Threat Assessment Teams at every school. Additionally, they will promote the use of Safe2HelpNE, a system for anonymously reporting behaviors that could threaten student or school safety in Nebraska.

For more information about Nebraska Department of Education School Safety, visit the provided links. For inquiries or to attend the training, contact Jay Martin or Scott Stemper.