Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) prioritizes safety through a series of mandated drills and training sessions to prepare for various emergencies. Each FCPS school must complete the following drills and training annually:
- Fire Drills: Schools must conduct fire drills as per the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, with evacuation routes clearly posted in every room. No fire drills are to be held during state-mandated testing periods.
- Lockdown Drills: Each school will hold at least four lockdown drills annually: one within the first 20 days of the school year, another after the first 60 days, and two more throughout the year. Parents will receive at least 24 hours' notice before any lockdown drill, though the exact time and date won't be disclosed. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are exempt from mandatory participation in lockdown drills during the first 60 days of school but must participate in all subsequent drills. Schools will also conduct HOLD and SECURE drills following FCPS protocols.
- Tornado Drills: Every school must conduct at least one tornado drill each school year.
- School Bus Emergency Drills: Schools with buses are required to hold at least one drill for emergency bus evacuation within the first 90 calendar days of each school year.
- Emergency Situation Training: All students and employees will receive annual training on general safety procedures for emergencies on school property.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Drills: Each school will practice its Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) at least once annually.
- Bleeding Control Kits: During all safety drills, schools with bleeding control kits must present and demonstrate their use.
For additional information, please see the following: