School safety goes beyond academics; it’s about preparing students to handle anything that comes their way. Emergency drills equip elementary schools with preparedness strategies, helping students and staff respond confidently to the unexpected. By familiarizing young students with clear protocols, schools empower them to handle potentially alarming situations with calmness and composure. Parents and teachers alike can feel more at ease knowing that children understand how to respond if an emergency arises. With practical training through well-structured drills, elementary schools create a safer environment and contribute to a sense of security and confidence in their communities.


Why Emergency Drills Matter

Emergencies can happen without warning, and elementary schools must prepare for various crisis scenarios. Emergency drills provide a structured approach for schools to prepare, helping reduce confusion and panic if an actual emergency occurs. When schools conduct drills, they establish specific safety protocols and teach students how to respond calmly and efficiently.

Emergency drills offer several benefits:

These benefits make drills a critical part of school life, helping to establish a calm and prepared culture that supports everyone.


Types of Emergencies Schools Face

Elementary schools can face many emergency situations, each needing different preparation and response. By identifying and understanding these potential risks, schools tailor their drills to suit each specific emergency, ensuring everyone knows the best response.

Some common emergency scenarios include:

When schools prepare for these scenarios, they create detailed and relevant response plans, making students and staff safer.


Benefits of Emergency Drills for Young Students

Emergency drills are invaluable in helping elementary students understand how to remain calm and focused during emergencies. Through drills, children gain a sense of security that comes from knowing what to do in critical situations. This preparation teaches students essential survival skills they can use throughout their lives.

The main benefits of drills for young students include:

With these benefits, emergency drills give young students the composure and confidence they need to manage unexpected events.


Designing Age-Appropriate Drills for Elementary Schools

In elementary schools, it’s crucial to design drills that suit the age and developmental stage of the students. When drills are age-appropriate, young children can follow instructions confidently without feeling overwhelmed. These adjustments make the process less intimidating and more manageable.

Strategies for age-appropriate drills include:

These strategies help young students engage in drills actively and feel positive about participating in safety activities.


Incorporating Staff Training for Effective Emergency Response

The success of emergency drills relies on well-prepared school staff who can lead students confidently. Teachers and administrators set the tone, so consistent training ensures they guide students calmly and effectively. When staff receives regular training, they provide the stability needed for effective drills and actual emergencies alike.

Key components of effective staff training include:

By preparing teachers with regular training, schools create a calm, reliable environment where students feel secure.


Parental and Community Involvement in Preparedness

Emergency preparedness works best when it extends beyond the school. Schools that engage parents and the community in safety initiatives create a support network that strengthens overall safety. This involvement improves communication and coordination during real emergencies.

Ways to involve parents and the community include:

By collaborating with parents and community members, schools reinforce a culture of preparedness, ensuring everyone knows their role.


Evaluating and Updating Emergency Plans

Emergency preparedness is not static. Schools should review and update emergency procedures regularly to stay prepared for evolving risks. Routine evaluation makes sure drills remain relevant, allowing schools to adapt based on new challenges and feedback.

Steps for evaluating and updating emergency plans include:

This ongoing review strengthens emergency plans and enhances the overall safety of elementary schools.


Emergency Drills in Action: A Step-by-Step Approach

Conducting a successful emergency drill requires planning and communication. By organizing each drill carefully, schools ensure that practice is effective and reinforces essential skills.

A typical emergency drill process includes:

With regular practice, schools help students and staff respond quickly and effectively, fostering a safer environment.


Consider all of the Factors

Emergency drills empower elementary schools to face the unexpected with confidence, protecting students and offering peace of mind to the entire community. Schools that design age-appropriate drills provide thorough staff training and involve the community to create a resilient environment. Through consistent practice and strong collaboration, schools enhance safety and create a foundation of preparedness and security.

Phil Kline

Regional Manager – Baltimore Metro Region

Phil’s career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Military Police Officer. His training as an Internal Response Unit member equipped him with essential skills in safety, security, and crisis management. One of his most fulfilling experiences was responding to Hurricane Sandy, where he played a vital role in assisting those affected by the disaster.

Following his military service, Phil transitioned to the building supply industry, where he spent a decade as an Operations and Sales Manager. During this time, he honed his leadership, process improvement, and industry analysis skills. His passion for identifying opportunities and driving positive change has been a constant throughout his career.

With a strong foundation in problem-solving and a resilient mindset, Phil is dedicated to applying his expertise to create impactful solutions. Whether leading teams, optimizing processes, or tackling complex challenges, he approaches every task with integrity and a focus on results.

Outside of work, Phil is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. One of his most memorable adventures was conquering the challenging hike to the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.

Walter Leslie Jr.

Operations Manager

Walter is an observant and vigilant, safety-driven security professional with 14+ years of leadership experience across commercial, residential, and corporate security sectors. Walter offers extensive expertise in developing and executing comprehensive physical security procedures and protocols. Specializing in risk assessments, he has successfully implemented mitigation strategies for clients, reducing potential security threats.

Outside of work, he is family-oriented and enjoys traveling with his wife Jackie, and their dog Aries. He is an avid sports enthusiast and loves the Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals.

Cynthia Cox

Human Resources Manager

With 21 years of management experience across various industries, including staffing, transportation, small business ownership, accounting, and operations, Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust skill set to Defender One. Her diversified background has equipped her with a keen understanding of multiple business domains, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Matthew Goodman

Assistant Director of Operations
Matt currently serves as Defender One’s Assistant Director of Operations. Matt is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Defender One and works closely with the Director of Operations & Training to implement goals and objectives for the company. As a nationally certified School Resource Officer and Force Science Analyst, Matt brings an interpersonal and holistic approach to the industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from York College. Outside of work, Matt is an avid outdoorsmen, spending time perfecting his landscaping skills. Matt also enjoys quality time with his wife Ashley, and two cats, Ollie and Leo, as well as watching the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

Jennifer Krieger

Director of Human Resources
Jen currently serves as Defender One’s Director of Human Resources, managing our HR and back end finance teams. Jen has 30 years of experience in healthcare benefits administration, retirement benefits, financial planning and human resources. Jen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Loyola University. Jen prioritizes an employee focused and driven company, with an emphasis on client and employee satisfaction. Outside of work, Jen enjoys running, watching her daughter play Division 1 Lacrosse, and playing with her grand-dogs.

Jared Krieger

Director of Operations & Training

Jared serves as the Director of Operations & Training at Defender One, where he oversees the company’s operations and staff training programs. He holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security & Disaster Management and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Counterterrorism. He is a Certified Security Project Manager and is board-certified in security management. He is also board-certified as a Physical Security Professional by the American Society of Industrial Security. As an accredited law enforcement instructor, Jared specializes in multiple disciplines, including Firearms, OC Spray, Expandable Baton, Handcuff Techniques, Taser, Defensive Tactics, and Force Science Analytics.

Outside of work, Jared enjoys traveling and spending time with his girlfriend and their three dogs.

Jon Krieger

Owner
Jon is the President and Founder of Defender One. Jon started Defender One in 2009, with the goal of bridging the gap between conventional security guards and law enforcement. Jon had a long and distinguished career in a large metropolitan police department for over 30 years, holding supervisory positions in several units, including patrol, internal affairs, traffic and community outreach. Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Outside of work, Jon spends his time spoiling his grand-dogs Fred and Barney, supporting the Ravens and Orioles, and watching his daughter play Division 1 Lacrosse.