New Law Means School Security Drill Changes

A change in state law will mean school districts will need to change how students and staff practice emergency procedures, but many of the changes already are in place in Millburn-Short Hills.

Starting Nov. 1 schools will have to have one fire drill per month and one other security drill per month, which could be a lock down or bus evacuation drill, according to Schools Supt. James Crisfield. Right now schools are required to have two fire drills per month and fit in their other security drills.

But the Millburn School District already fits in the other security drills for its students, Crisfield said, so the law change won't have a major effect on how business is done. But John Van Teeckelenburgh, director of school buildings and grounds, is working on the procedures to make sure the drills match what is required in the law.

"We are going to comply come November," he said. "We really don't need two fire drills per month... I do like the emphasis on safety."

The other security drills are equally important as fire drills, Crisfield said, but the Millburn School District makes sure those drills are included during the school year. The law change will formalise what Millburn officials already do, he said.

The law change is especially good for school districts who might not be doing the drills, Crisfield. It helps school officials focus on safety and security, he said.