SB 256 Summary

• Requires all public schools to conduct a minimum of eight safety drills per school year in addition to two lockdown drills already mandated.

• Mandates two fire drills per school year (one per semester within the first 15 days) with distinctive audible alarm signals, and two intruder drills per school year (one per semester within the first 15 days) using alternative methods to lockdown.

• Requires two tornado drills per school year with at least one conducted in September and one in March; remaining drills may be determined by principals and superintendents based on facility-specific risks or Safe School Committee recommendations.

• Requires all students and teachers to participate in drills and mandates written documentation of fire drills preserved for three years and made available to the State Fire Marshal; all other safety drill documentation must be filed at school sites, district offices, and with the Institute for School Security Resources.

• Repeals existing fire drill statute (63 O.S. 2011, Section 176) and becomes effective July 1, 2013 with emergency declaration.