Find Resources to Create a Safer School
SchoolSafety.gov was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with actionable recommendations to create safe and supportive learning environments for students and educators.
Latest News
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
National Suicide Prevention Month is observed annually to raise awareness of lifesaving actions and resources that can prevent suicide. Schools are critical partners in supporting the mental health and well-being of students and can provide services that address prevention, intervention, and treatment needs of those experiencing mental health challenges or crises. Get involved in National Suicide Prevention Month by learning about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and accessing school-specific suicide prevention resources on SchoolSafety.gov. Learn More
Start a Conversation on Emergency Preparedness This National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign that emphasizes how preparing for emergencies and disasters can help keep families and communities safe. Starting a conversation on emergency planning and preparedness can help members of the K-12 community take actions to prepare and build resilience before disaster strikes. This month and throughout the year, parents, educators, and other members of the school community can use SchoolSafety.gov’s emergency planning resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Kids to learn more about disaster preparedness. Learn More
Federal Government Announces Awards and Funding Opportunities for Multiple Grant Programs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced recipients and allocations for multiple grants and funding opportunities, including several programs available to the K-12 community. These awards included $34 million in grant funding from EPA to reduce indoor air pollution in schools; $65 million from SAMHSA to address mental health and substance use crises; and nearly $724 million from DHS to support emergency preparedness, including $454 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding for physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist attack. Explore Grants
SAMHSA Shares Tips and Resources to Support Student Mental Health During Back-to-School Season
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published information on mental health and wellness tools and resources to help prepare children for the stressors and challenges they may face during the school year. These resources cover issues such as youth online safety, ensuring positive behavioral health in schools, and supporting student mental wellness, and include the "Talk. They Hear You."® Campaign, the Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force Report, and the 988 Lifeline. Explore Tips and Resource
CDC Releases Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023, which describes recent data and trends on adolescent behaviors and experiences in key areas. Data presented in the report highlights high school students' behaviors and experiences in 2023, changes from 2021 to 2023, and 10-year trends, focusing on issues such as substance use, experiences of violence, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn More
SchoolSafety.gov is Now on Facebook
SchoolSafety.gov launched a new Facebook page as part of the site’s continued efforts to share information and resources on a range of school safety topics. Through the page, members of the K-12 community and the general public can receive regular updates on school safety guidance, grant opportunities, tools, and timely announcements. Explore the Page
CISA Opens Registration for 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) opened registration for the 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, scheduled to take place on September 25 and 26. The Summit is a virtual event that brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments. This year’s Summit will feature sessions covering violence prevention, emergency planning, youth online safety, student mental wellness, K-12 cybersecurity and student interventions and support. Register
Resource Spotlight
Learn About Safe Storage of Firearms
Safe storage practices can help prevent firearms from being accessed by at-risk individuals. This guide provides information on different types of storage devices and best practices for safely storing firearms. Principals and district administrators may also use this customizable letter template to provide parents, families, guardians, and caregivers with important information about safe firearm storage.
School Safety Topics
Access the following topics for resources, guidance, and information to help you create a safer school. From each of these topic pages, you can sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopics.
Upcoming Opportunities
Learn about upcoming events, grants, and other opportunities for your school or district.
Discover upcoming school safety events and grants below to help support your school’s or school district’s safety efforts.
Grants
October
10
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - State Solicitation
Learn More
October
16
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Local Solicitation
Learn More
Events
September 12, November 20, 2024, and January 15, 2025
Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment
Learn More
September
12
Creating a Culture of Support: Enhancing Staff Resilience in Emergency Situations Webinar
Learn More
Tools to Get Started
Start with these tools to discover the right resources for your school
Grants Finder Tool
Use the Grants Finder Tool to find applicable funding opportunities to help keep your school community safe.
State Search Tool
Discover your state’s school safety programs and regional contacts from federal agencies. These contacts and programs can be a resource to you as you build your school safety plan.
Resource Search
Find resources, like guidance, training, or fact sheets, that are vetted by SchoolSafety.gov.
Safety Readiness Tool
Identify the efforts you’re taking to address the foundational elements of school safety. Get a personalized action plan with next steps and resources for your school to consider.
Communications Center
Download and share the latest SchoolSafety.gov one-pagers, issue briefs, newsletters, and virtual training materials.