IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA)
This is a free online course that introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training.
TxSSC
Basic Plan Toolkit
2.0 Trainings
This section provides information and links from multiple agencies to trainings not only directly connected to the online course, but also additional suggested trainings. Unless stated otherwise, listed trainings are free for school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and junior colleges to attend. These trainings strengthen professional competencies in school safety and are structured to build practical knowledge.
Basic Plan Development
IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (FEMA)
This is a free online course that reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training.
ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents (FEMA)
Provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced knowledge and application of the ICS. This course expands upon information covered in IS-100 and IS-200. There may be costs associated with this training.
IS-362: Multi-hazard Emergency Planning for Schools (FEMA)
This is a free online course that covers basic information about developing, implementing, and maintaining a school emergency operations plan (EOP).
IS-363: Introduction to Emergency Management for Higher Education (FEMA)
This is a free online course that provides institutions of higher education with knowledge and planning strategies to protect lives, property, and the environment by supporting operations more effectively within the context of comprehensive emergency management.
ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System, Command and General Staff-Complex Incidents (FEMA)
Provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced application of ICS This course expands upon information covered in IS-100, IS-200, and ICS-300. There may be costs associated with this training.
IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (FEMA)
This is a free online course that provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which defines the comprehensive approach guiding the whole community to work together seamlessly in preventing, mitigating, protecting, responding to, and recovering from an incident.
IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction (FEMA)
This is a free online course that provides guidance for the whole community in responding to an incident. It is a required course for those districts seeking Federal Preparedness Funds.
Public Information Officer (PIO) Specific Training
Successful completion of any one of the four designated courses fulfills the statutory Public Information Officer training requirements as outlined in HB 33.
Bill Blackwood LEMIT Public Information Officer Course
A hands-on Public Information Officer (PIO) training from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas designed for public safety personnel and administrators responsible for communication. It covers writing media releases, conducting interviews and on-camera briefings, engaging with social media, and handling public relations and crisis communications to improve agency credibility and effectiveness in routine and critical situations.
TEEX MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
A two-day, all-hazards incident public information course focused on crisis communication in emergencies. It teaches the role of public information in incident management, meeting public and media information needs, integrating Joint Information Centers within NIMS/NRF frameworks, crafting initial public statements, planning press conferences, and developing crisis communication plans.
FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations Course
A four-and-a-half-day intensive law enforcement communications training that builds skills in media engagement, public image management, crisis communication, and social media. The curriculum includes media relations strategies, interview preparation and on-camera exercises, messaging development, and best practices for maintaining a positive public perception.
FBI-LEEDA Master PIO Course
An advanced, four-and-a-half-day seminar that builds on the Media & Public Relations course to elevate participants from tactical media skills to strategic public information leadership. Topics include brand image cultivation, internal/external communication strategies, proactive storytelling to media, crisis management planning, and producing quality video content for social platforms.
Additional Suggested Trainings
Additional suggested trainings that support continued professional development and operational readiness.
Standard Reunification Method Train-The-Trainer Training (“I Love U Guys” Foundation)
This course will provide participants with proven methods for planning, practicing, and achieving reunification of students with their parents or guardians in the event of a school emergency.
Standard Response Protocol Train-the-Trainer Training (“I Love U Guys” Foundation)
This course will provide participants with action-based, flexible, and rationally organized tactics to respond to events, accidents, intruders, and other threats to safety. This training also covers mandated drills for Texas schools.