What Does Real Crisis Readiness Look Like in Today’s Schools?

Before, During, and After: Rethinking Crisis Response

True school safety is about more than plans on paper or locked doors — it’s about people, preparation, and the ability to care for a community before, during, and after a crisis.

In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay is joined by school psychologist and national crisis-response expert Ben Fernandez for a practical and compassionate conversation on what real crisis readiness looks like today. Ben shares why psychological safety must work hand-in-hand with physical safety, how student needs continue to evolve, and what effective crisis teams can do — regardless of size — to support students, staff, and families through acute events and recovery.

Drawing on decades of experience leading school-based and district-level response teams, Ben offers insights on building aligned crisis structures, planning for diverse learners and special populations, preventing burnout and secondary trauma, and what meaningful recovery can look like when it’s done well.

Whether you’re a school leader, educator, mental health professional, or safety partner, this conversation offers grounded guidance and hopeful perspective for strengthening readiness and resilience across your community.

Watch the episode below: