At North Hanover Township Schools, the safety and security of all students and staff is our top priority. We follow comprehensive, state-mandated emergency procedures designed to ensure our school community is well-prepared for any situation.
✅ Monthly Drills: Fire & School Security
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Monthly Drills: Each school conducts one fire drill and one school security drill every month, including during summer instructional periods.
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First 15 Days: One school security drill is required within the first 15 days of each school year.
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Full Participation: All staff and students must participate to the greatest extent practicable.
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Documentation: Each drill is recorded and reported to the NJ Department of Education as required.
🔐 Security Drill Types (Non-Fire)
Security drills include:
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Lockdown
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Evacuation
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Bomb Threat Response
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Shelter-in-Place
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Active Threat Scenarios
These are practiced using the "I Love U Guys" Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP), which uses clear, action-based language:
HOLD. SECURE. LOCKDOWN. EVACUATE. SHELTER.
Learn more: https://iloveuguys.org
🧠 Trauma-Informed & Inclusive
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Drills are age-appropriate and trauma-informed.
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We do not use fake blood, simulated gunfire, or role-play victims.
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Students are told at the conclusion of each drill that it was only a drill and that there is no threat.
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Drills are adapted to meet the needs of students with disabilities or medical needs, based on their IEPs, 504 plans, or health care plans.
📬 Parent Notification
Parents/guardians are notified by email on the same day a school security drill occurs. This message will confirm the drill type and reassure families that it was a planned, safe practice.
👮 Collaboration with Emergency Services
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Local law enforcement and first responders are notified in advance and participate in select drills.
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The school safety plan is developed and reviewed annually in collaboration with emergency management partners.
👥 Staff & Substitute Training
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All staff receive annual training on emergency response procedures.
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New staff receive this training within 60 days of hire.
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Staff are made aware of any students requiring accommodations during drills.
📋 Additional Requirements