The New York State Board of Regents has issued new regulations for mandatory lockdown drills beginning in the 2024-25 school year. These new regulations for lockdown drills include advanced notice for parents/guardians, as well as ensuring that lockdown drills are “trauma informed” and conducted in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner. Please click here for a summary of the new regulations.

Four lockdown drills and eight fire drills are required each year (advanced fire drill notification is not required). Schools will make direct notification to parents/guardians within one week of each lockdown drill, which will provide parents/guardians with ample opportunity to discuss with their children in advance.