Partnership and collaboration are essential components of the emergency planning effort. Therefore, the Emergency and Safety Alliance (ESA) was formed as an interagency team to plan, implement, manage, and sustain this project. ESA is comprised of representatives from the District of Columbia Office of Risk Management (DCORM), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS), Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), Department of Health (DOH), Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization (OPEFM), District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (DCPCB), and the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM).

This School Emergency Response Plan and Management Guide establishes the framework for creating, reviewing, or updating the emergency and crisis response plans for participating school buildings in the District of Columbia. Beginning with Section 1 each page in the Guide is dated in the footer to show the date of implementation and any revisions that may be made in the future.

In a natural or manmade disaster, or under elevated national security threat levels, events occur that necessitate the coordination and delivery of crisis intervention and response services. This Guide complements the District Response Plan and documents the commitment of District officials to establish a comprehensive system for rapid and effective response in the aftermath of crisis and disaster.