Beyond Preparedness Readiness Now: 5 Reasons For Safety Drills In Special Education
The importance of safety drills in school are so students can learn how to stay safe during an emergency situation. The reality is not all students
truly understand how to respond to a safety drill or even why there is a need to practice them. During a drill simulation some students have been know to
stay in their seats and do not respond to the drill. The fact that they did not even know how to go a safe space in the classroom, or even know how to exit
the building quickly and quietly is eye opening. You must establish practice drills outside of the simulations for your students to understand how to
respond in real emergency. Regular practice can help reluctant students or those who do not understand why simulation are being done to gain an
understanding and awareness of what to do. Stick around to learn more about five reasons for safety drills in special education and five tips you can use
right now.
1. Safety Drills Are A Priority
As the teacher, it is important to lead by example. If practicing drills was not made a priority, students may not see the value or importance of it. By
designating a day to practice drills, it becomes a routine. It allows for consistency. Practice time should be built into the classroom schedule. An
opportunity to practice should not be missed. Designating a day shows students how important it is.
2. Safety Drills Should Be Familiar
As drills become familiar, students know why they are practicing. They learn how to exit the building quickly and quietly. When they hear the signal, they
know how to drop and cover. They do not hesitate. Students become comfortable. By continuing to practice, it becomes familiar to them.
3. Safety Drill Should Reduces Anxiety
Feelings of anxiousness can happen when something is unknown. Students experience stress in the moment of a crisis. Fear may make them unable to
respond during an emergency. Holding on to anxiety during a drill, may result in students who may panic or are unable to calm down. Students gain
strength through regular practice. Practicing can reduce anxiety and help students remain calm during a drill because they know what to do.
4. Safety Drills Should Teach Safety
Helping students to feel safe at school is a priority. The best way to teach safety is to show students what it looks like. Practicing safety drills teaches
student the steps to take to be safe. Safety practices can prepare students for real life. It is not something they will forget even if they have to use it outside
of the classroom or school setting.
5. Safety Drills Should Build Understanding
Building understanding can ensure that students know what steps to take during a drill. Students will know what the purpose of the drill is. They will
know how to react or respond during a simulation or if an emergency occurs. Students begin to lost their fear and reluctance to respond. Increasing their
understanding gives students a chance to take responsible for themselves.
Final Thoughts
There is power in knowing and having knowledge of what to do and how to do it. It is important to have students practice safety drills at school before
there is an actual drill or a real emergency occurs.Regular practice can help reluctant students or those who don’t know why the drills are being done gain
understanding. Helping students to feel safe at school is a priority. Students gain strength through regular practice.
Here Are Five Tips To Keep In Mind:
· Emphasize Ongoing Practice – Incorporate drills into the curriculum regularly to ensure your students are familiar with emergency procedures and feel confident in their ability to respond appropriately.
· Specific Needs – Address any specific challenges or concerns that may arise when conducting safety drills to accommodate diverse sensory sensitivities, or mobility limitations to ensure drills are inclusive and effective for all students.
· Personalize Approach – Provide personalized support ensures that every student can participate effectively and feel prepared in emergency situations.
· Reinforce Skills – Schedule drills consistently throughout the school year to reinforce important skills and familiarize your students with the routine to promote swift, appropriate responses during real emergencies.
· Positive Feedback – Provide opportunities to identify areas for growth and provide gentle guidance for enhancing safety skills also celebrate small successes and improvements to boost your students morale and motivation.