Why do we have the 2026 EOP Minimum Requirements?
Arizona statute requires the EOP Minimum Requirements to be reviewed and updated every five years to ensure that Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) remain current and aligned with current safety practices. Although the 2024 EOP Minimum Requirements were still within the review cycle, they were revisited in response to recommendations identified in the Auditor General’s 2024 Special Audit Report.
The 2026 Minimum Requirements were developed through a collaborative process involving the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), and the Comprehensive School Safety Advisory Council. Input and feedback were gathered from the Council's working groups, which included educators, charter school representatives, emergency management professionals, law enforcement, school administrators, school nurses and school mental health professionals. The resulting revisions were informed by stakeholder feedback, and the findings of the Auditor General's Special Audit Report.
What are the updates in the 2026 Minimum Requirements?
The 2026 Minimum Requirements include several updates designed to strengthen school emergency preparedness, clarify compliance expectations, and increase flexibility for schools and districts. Updates include:
- Inclusion of charter school requirements from A.R.S 15-183(E)(1)
- Expanded Incident Command System (ICS) structure and staffing requirements
- Authorization for ICS positions to be filled by qualified community partners
- Initial ICS training requirements and a 3-year training cycle
- Adoption of the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol (SRP) as an expected component of school emergency procedures
- Updated terminology for annexes within emergency operations plans.
- After Action Review and Improvement Planning following every drill and event
When must schools begin using the ADE EOP Template?
All schools will be required to use the ADE EOP Template no later than March 1, 2027. Schools are encouraged to begin reviewing their current plans and preparing for the transition now.
How does the 2026 version address charter schools?
The 2026 Minimum Requirements incorporate language from A.R.S. 15-183(E)(1) to clarify that charter schools are expected to meet applicable school safety and emergency preparedness requirements. This update ensures greater consistency across public and charter schools regarding safety planning and emergency management expectations.
What changes were made to the Incident Command System (ICS) structure?
The ICS structure has been updated to improve scalability and flexibility for schools of varying sizes. Changes include:
- An increase in the number of ICS positions identified within the structure.
- A reduction in the number of individuals required to fill those positions.
- Greater flexibility for smaller, rural, and remote campuses that may have limited staffing.
This update helps schools establish a functional ICS while recognizing differing staffing capacities.
Can ICS positions be filled by people who are not school employees?
Yes. The 2026 Minimum Requirements allow designated ICS positions to be filled by qualified community partners who are not employed by the school. Examples may include:
- Local government personnel
- First responders
- Emergency management personnel
- School resource officers
- Mental health professionals
- Other designated community safety partners
Schools should ensure that all assigned individuals understand their roles and meet applicable training requirements.
What are the new ICS training requirements?
Before an individual is assigned to an ICS role, they must complete:
Within the first year of assignment to an ICS role, individuals assigned shall complete:
Additional approved training options shall be completed at least once every three years. These options provide schools with greater flexibility to build emergency preparedness knowledge based on local needs and hazards.
How often must ICS personnel receive training?
Previously, personnel were expected to complete training updates within a ten-year cycle. Under the 2026 Minimum Requirements, ICS personnel are expected to complete at least one approved training every three years.
This change helps ensure ICS team members remain current on emergency management principles, school safety practices, and evolving response expectations.
What is the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)?
The I Love U Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a nationally recognized framework that establishes common language and actions during emergencies.
The protocol uses the following standard responses:
Using common terminology helps staff, students, families, and first responders respond more effectively during emergencies.
Is the Standard Response Protocol now required?
Yes. The 2026 Minimum Requirements establish the I Love U Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocol (SRP) as the expected framework for all Arizona public and charter schools. A common statewide protocol provides consistent language, actions, and expectations for emergencies. This shared approach gives students, staff, administrators, and emergency responders a common understanding of what to do during an emergency. For families with children in different schools or districts, common terminology reduces confusion and makes emergency communications easier to understand. Using the same language and procedures statewide improves communication, supports coordinated response efforts, and helps build confidence in school emergency procedures.
Schools shall incorporate SRP terminology, procedures, and training into their emergency management practices.
What annexes are required under the 2026 Minimum Requirements for EOPs?
The 2026 Minimum Requirements organize EOP annexes into two categories:
Response Annexes
- Hold
- Secure
- Shelter
- Lockdown
- Evacuate
- Reunification
Threat and Hazard Annexes
- Active Threat on Campus
- Reported Threat to Campus
- Utility Disruption
- Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics
- At least two additional annexes identified through the Hazard Assessment Worksheet
Have drill requirements changed?
No. Fire code and statutory drill requirements have not changed. To align with existing transportation safety expectations, the 2026 Minimum Requirements include bus evacuation drills within the drill requirements.
What is required after a school drill or incident?
An After Action Review and Improvement Plan is required following every drill and incident to support improvement as school safety teams:
- Identify strengths demonstrated during the drill
- Document areas for improvement
- Correct procedural issues before an actual emergency occurs
- Establish timelines for improvements
- Identify training needs
- Support ongoing emergency preparedness efforts
