NY S02498

Reduces the total number of required annual school emergency drills from twelve to ten, with six (down from eight) required between September 1 and December 31

Decreases mandatory lock-down drills from four to two per school year while maintaining eight evacuation drills

Requires schools to notify parents and guardians at least seven days in advance of any lock-down drill

Prohibits the use of props, actors, simulations, or other tactics intended to mimic actual incidents of violence during lock-down drills

Mandates trauma-informed, developmentally and age-appropriate approaches to drill design, including individualized accommodations for students who may need extra support

Requires annual school safety staff training on conducting drills in various classroom settings, including rooms with physical limitations like windowed walls