On July 1, the law in Virginia changed regarding school emergency drills.
This fall, the Alexandria City School Board will amend Policy EBCA to reflect these changes. To be in compliance with the law and the fire code, schools will follow the new guidelines beginning on the first day of school, even though the School Board policy will take longer to formally amend.
Please be aware of the changes.
Policy EBCA: Emergency Preparedness Drills describes mandatory safety drills and emergency preparedness for all schools.
Each school must have:
- 2 fire drills during first 20 school days
- Thereafter, 1 fire drill/month
- NEW: 2 lockdown drills during first 20 school days
- NEW: Thereafter, 2 more lockdown drills/year
- NEW: 1 school bus emergency drill during first 90 school days
- 1 tornado drill/year
- 1 earthquake drill/year
- Placards describing nearest exits posted in each room
- Evacuation plan for students with physical disabilities
If you have questions about Policy EBCA, email the Assistant Director of Health, Safety & Risk Management at james.bartlett@acps.k12.va.us or call 703-619-8295.
View more policy updates (PDF)
View all School Board policies.