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Background

An Islamic Lens: Why Does Crisis Planning Matter?

It is important to implement physical security measures in schools to mitigate threats and reduce the impact of incidents. As part of proactive measures, schools should conduct regular site assessments and develop building security plans to identify existing vulnerabilities and enhance their security overall.

Preventing and mitigating crises is closely aligned with Maqasid al-Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic Law), which includes maintaining, protecting, elevating one’s religion, self, mind, wealth, and family. Moreover, responding effectively to crisis situations is highly valued in Islam, since it can potentially save lives. Allah (SWT) says (ومن أحياها فكأنما أحيا الناس جميعا)  ” and whoever saves a life, it would be as though he saved the lives of all humans”.  (Al-Ma’ida:32).

ISLA Crisis Management Toolkit: Key Terms

Co-located Islamic School

Best Practices for Co-located Schools
February 20, 2023

This training module will equip you with key practices to ensure safety and security in co-located Islamic schools and Masjids. You will learn to establish boundaries, implement joint safety protocols, enforce access control, and facilitate open communication between school and masjid leadership for a secure, harmonious shared environment.

Emergency Communication Planning (ISLA)
February 20, 2023

In this training module, you will learn how to create an effective emergency communication plan. Through step-by-step instructions and practical examples, you will gain the necessary skills to ensure preparedness and resilience in crisis situations.

An Introduction to an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
February 20, 2023

This training module covers the purpose and key elements of an Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) for co-located Islamic schools and masjids. An EOP serves to mitigate the impact of emergencies through preparation and coordination. Key elements include risk assessment, communication strategies, roles and responsibilities, and recovery procedures.

Physical Security
February 20, 2023

This training module introduces physical security guidelines and the security team's role in maintaining a safe environment in schools. It also focuses on understanding protective measures for facilities and personnel, and how a security team effectively implements these strategies for optimal safety.

Best Practices for Co-located Schools & Places of Worship

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Identify threats, assess safety, and reduce risk to ensure best practices for co-located schools and worship places.

Co-Located Islamic Schools

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Inclusion, safety, governance, and community involvement are crucial for co-located Islamic schools to counter Islamophobia.

Preventive Measure

Islamic legal maxims like “Harm should be removed” and “harm should be avoided as much as possible” emphasize a comprehensive prevention approach, with harm reduction being a major focus. Hence, taking proactive measures to eliminate harm and what may lead to it is one of the core principles of Islam.

Tabletop Exercises

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Include a set of scalable tools aimed to test existing emergency plans, protocols, and procedures.

Self- Assessment

ISLA

A set of 27 key indicators across the three stages of a crisis: Pre-crisis, Crisis response, Post-crisis.

Threat Evaluation & Reporting Program

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

This Program certifies the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners.

Student and Family Reunification

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Reunification method ensures an orderly process for reuniting students with their families and tracking their whereabouts.

Physical Security Practices

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Emphasizes clear purpose, active participation, and expert design to help run successful tabletop exercises.

How to Run a Tabletop

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Learn physical security pillars, best practices, and individual roles for a strong campus safety plan.

Crisis Response

Model Crisis, Emergency Management & Medical Reponse

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES

The below Quick Guide is designed to assist school and school division personnel, administrators, and decision-makers in the pursuit of safety preparedness.

VIEW QUICK GUIDE
Crisis-response

Incident Command System Module

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Training on the definition, identification, and functions of the Incident Command System in school crisis management.

Template: ICS Chart – Leadership

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

ISLA and Joffe Emergency Services collaborated on a template for an ICS leadership chart.

ICS for Schools Chart

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

ISLA and Joffe Emergency Services collaborated on an ICS chart for school crisis management.
post-response

Post Response

Post Crisis Support Network

Safe and Sound Schools

Safe and Sound Schools offers a network of survivors and safety professionals to provide support for your community during the recovery process.

LEARN MORE
Activate mental health and well-being plan for school community.

How to Debrief an Incident: ISLA & Joffe Academy

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

ISLA and Joffe Academy provide incident debriefing training, covering purpose, and facilitator best practices.

Handout Addressing Trauma

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Handout on trauma, including indications and symptoms, for use before, during, and after an event.

Templates & Resources

Student Safety and Security Report Card Template

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Joffe Emergency Services’ self-assessment tool, has been for schools to improve their safety programs.

At-A-Glance Template

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Emergency procedures for schools include lockdown, for earthquakes, fire, allergic reactions, and shelter-in-place.

Debrief Template: ISLA Joffe Academy

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

A template for debriefing an incident, including participants, time, location, and framework for discussion.

Emergency Drill Schedule

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Emergency Drill Schedule with date, team, time, duration, and notes for record-keeping purposes.

Emergency Communication Plan Template: ISLA Joffe

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Steps to create an emergency communication plan: Objectives, Audiences, Roles, Scenarios.

Emergency Notification Scripts

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Emergency notification scripts for school-wide announcements in various emergency situations.

Reunification Student Release

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Form to track student release during emergencies. ID required, completed by family/authorized contact.

Template: Strike Team Attendance Reunification

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Checklist for student attendance & reunification team in emergencies, accounting for all on campus.

Template: MOU for Offsite Evacuation Location

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

MOU for offsite evacuation location agreement between school and location for emergency evacuation.

Template: Emergency Operations Plan

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

An extensive plan with emergency contact, evacuation, reunification, and incident response procedures.

Rand Corporation Systems Approach to Physical Security

RAND Corporation

Rand Corporation’s physical security solution for schools involves many system components for prevention, response, and recovery.

ASIS Standards and Guidelines

Texas A&M International University

ASIS Standards: Legal obligations of principals and potential hazards, covering five important areas of concern.

Emergency Response Plan Template

Queensland Government

Template for an emergency response plan for schools with sensitive information and limited access.

Model School Crisis Management Plan

Develop a crisis management plan for schools, including protocols for emergency response and communication.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Crisis Management Plan

Step-by-step guidance for developing crisis management strategies.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Arrangements

Queensland Government

The Department of Education’s disaster response plans, including school security measures.

Safety for Faith-Based Events and Houses of Worship

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

The National Security Institute and faith-based groups work together to prevent terrorism and offer secure meetings.

Best Practices for Securing Houses of Worship

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

A committee recommended best practices for securing houses of worship for people of all religions.

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

Tables for self-evaluation of Houses of Worship security choices based on threat, implementability, and cost.

Role of School Facility Managers in School Safety Efforts

ISLA in collaboration with Joffe Emergency Services

The REMS TA Center has materials on the role of School Facilities Managers in school safety measures.

Media Library

Ohio School Threat Assessment Model Training​

The Ohio School Threat Assessment Training is a combination of best practices from leading school-safety experts, including the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center. The Ohio guide helps schools team up with other community members, such as police officers and mental-health advocates, to prevent targeted violence and get help for troubled students.

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Introduction
March 17, 2022

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Introduction

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 1
February 26, 2020

Step 1: Establish a Multidisciplinary Threat Assessment Team

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 2
February 26, 2020

Step 2: Define Prohibited and Concerning Behaviors

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 3
February 26, 2020

Step 3: Create a Central Reporting Mechanism

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 4
February 26, 2020

Step 4: Determine the Threshold for Law Enforcement Intervention

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 5
February 26, 2020

Step 5: Establish Assessment Procedures

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 6
February 26, 2020

Step 6: Develop Risk Management Options

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 7
February 26, 2020

Step 7: Create and Promote Safe School Climates

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Step 8
February 26, 2020

Step 8: Conduct Training for All Stakeholders

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Conclusion
March 17, 2022

Ohio School Threat Assessment Training: Conclusion

Crisis management simulation exercise

How to run effective crisis simulation exercises for reputational resilience – Insignia’s Tips
December 1, 2015

The speaker shares key principles on how to get best value from crisis simulation exercises as part of your crisis management training programme. The video explains how thorough crisis management planning will ensure that your organization is ready to do and say the right thing under pressure.

How to write the best crisis management plan for your school?

How to write the best crisis management plan for your business by Tony Ridley
June 2, 2011

How to video tutorial on how to create the best crisis management plan for your business.

The Toolkit is supported by The Islamic Relief USA

Islamic-Relief-USA

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