Priority Overview
All DC schools must submit their 2024-25 school year emergency response plans (ERPs) for signature to HSEMA’s CORE DC system no later than October 31, 2024. Timely submission of school emergency response plans is essential to ensuring the operational safety of schools in the event of an emergency on campus and complies with new regulations for child development facilities.
For questions, please contact Joseph Hood at [email protected].
Top 5 Things to Know
- The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) operates the CORE DC system, which houses all DC school emergency response plans (ERPs). Emergency response plans are required by both DCPS and PCSB, and must be submitted annually for each school year. Failure to have an ERP on file in CORE DC will result in DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) failing the campus’s fire inspection.
- All DC Public and Public Charter PK-12 schools are required to confirm or request user access to the CORE DC system no later than Aug. 1, 2024.
- ERPs must be submitted to CORE DC by each DC public and public charter school no later than Oct. 31, 2024.
- HSEMA, in coordination with OSSE, will provide schools and their governing LEAs with resources outlining how to enroll in the CORE DC system. This includes a website, a one-pager on to how to set up accounts, and additional technical assistance.
- For assistance in gaining access to CORE DC, or in developing and uploading campus safety plans, DCPS schools should contact Brittany Irvine at [email protected], and public charter schools should contact Chris Lalik at [email protected]
Key Resources
- Request user access to CORE DC here.
- CORE DC Single Sign-on Guide
- HSEMA’s CORE DC system
- Smart 911
- Sign Up in AlertDC. The communications system lets you pick the type of emergency alerts, notifications, and updates from public safety officials. By staying informed, AlertDC is your personal connection to real-time updates and instructions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighborhood.
- Make a Referral. Protect DC provides community members with a safe and anonymous way to share concerns about their safety or the safety of others.
Key Dates & Deadlines
- Aug. 1, 2024 - School leaders who currently do not have access to CORE DC must request access to CORE DC.
- Oct. 31, 2024 - ERPs must be submitted to CORE DC by each DC public and public charter school.