Alberta is introducing new standards aimed at making sure schools are prepared to handle critical emergencies.
Under the new School Critical Emergency Standards, every school board must have an emergency framework in place by January 4, 2027.
Individual schools will then need their own emergency plans aligned with those frameworks by April 5.
The standards cover things like emergency planning, identifying potential threats and hazards, staff training, communication, drills and exercises, and supporting students and staff following an emergency.
The province says a recent review found most school authorities already have key safety practices in place, but also identified some inconsistencies and gaps.
The new requirements also apply to early childhood service operators.
The standards follow a $22-million investment in school safety announced by the province earlier this year, including funding for security upgrades and safety-related training for school staff.
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