School Safety is the focus of Statewide Tabletop Exercise Series

SMYRNA, Del. - In conjunction with The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), the Delaware Emergency Management Agency's Delaware School Safety Center (DEMA DSSC) successfully hosted a three-day series of tabletop exercises across the state from April 20 through April 22, 2026. The recent exercises integrated multiple layers of school safety planning, including anonymous reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment processes, crisis communication protocols, emergency plans, and coordinated institutional responses to emergency situations.

Tabletop exercises are a required component of Delaware's Comprehensive School Safety Program and are designed to bring together key stakeholders to collaboratively work through simulated emergency scenarios. These exercises provide schools with the opportunity to evaluate procedures, identify gaps, and strengthen both emergency operations plans and interagency relationships.

To support schools in meeting this requirement, DDOE and DEMA DSSC facilitated one regional exercise in each county, providing structured scenarios and access to subject matter experts. Participants also heard from national speakers who shared firsthand experiences and lessons learned from critical incidents, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the Oxford High School shooting.

A total of 27 school districts, charter schools, and private schools participated in the events. The exercises also included collaboration with key public safety and youth-serving agencies, including the Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police, and the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, & Their Families.

Additionally, representatives from Slidesoft Technologies, Lightspeed Systems, and Rave Mobile Safety participated in the exercises. Supported through state funding, these three organizations help to enhance school safety efforts across Delaware and provide critical tools and resources to schools.

This statewide initiative reflects Delaware's continued commitment to proactive school safety planning, ensuring that schools are prepared, coordinated, and supported in protecting students and staff.

Both The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency's Delaware School Safety Center (DEMA DSSC) would like to extend their appreciation to the Indian River School District and the Red Clay Consolidated School District for hosting the sessions and supporting this statewide effort.

ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware's economic base, and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

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