A growing number of states are implementing recommendations for critical incident maps in schools. This is in response to an increasing number of incidents, including natural disasters, in which time is a critical factor in saving lives.
A critical incident map is a satellite image of the school with a grid overlayed and includes important information like locations of gas shut-offs and first aid kits. This provides a consistent, accessible, uniform map that all first responders and law enforcement can work with. The logical layout makes it easy for on-site emergency personnel to:
- Immediately understand the layout of an unfamiliar location
- Coordinate their response
- Locate critical features or access points
- Avoid miscommunication
Key Features of Critical Incident Mapping
One of the most important aspects of critical incident mapping is clarity. Every map should be as precise and straightforward as possible. This ensures first responders can coordinate their efforts efficiently and avoid confusion in a situation where every second counts.
Most critical incident maps include the following key features:
- A satellite image of the campus, aligned to true north
- A floorplan of the building overlaid on the satellite image
- An overlaid gridded coordinate system using alphanumeric labeling for intuitive and clear location communication
- Fully labeled layout of rooms within the structure and exterior site features like parking lots
- Locations of utility controls, hazards, access points, first aid and defibrillator stations, key boxes, and any other critical site information
- Universal file types that do not require special software to open (such as pdf)
- Printable format
- All information verified for accuracy
States With Critical Incident Map Funding
The number of states with funding or grants available for critical incident maps is growing. While recommendations for these maps may vary by state, there are 11 states with legislation around critical incident maps.
| State | Bill | Funding |
| Florida | House Bill 301 | State grant available |
| Illinois | ILCS 128/50 | State grant available |
| Indiana | House Bill 1492 | State grant available |
| Kentucky | Senate Bill 2 | State grant available |
| Maryland | House Bill 0472 | State grant available |
| Michigan |
Michigan 97d (K-12) Michigan SB 173 (Universities) |
State grant available |
| Nebraska | Legislative Bill 1329 | State grant available |
| New Jersey | Senate Bill 2426 | State funding available |
| Texas | House Bill 3 | State funding available |
| Virginia | Legislation 22.1-279.8 | State funding available |
| Wisconsin | Act 109 | State grant available |
Each state listed here currently offers some type of funding or grant money to help support its critical incident mapping projects, which is extremely important to ensuring each district gets high-quality, usable security maps. If your state is listed above, contact your Department of Education to inquire about critical incident map funding.
Typically, funding applications will require a quote from someone like Building Maps. We’re happy to provide a quote for your critical incident map; all we need to know is your building name, the address, and the number of floors.
Building Maps Provides High-Quality Critical Incident Maps
When it comes to critical incident mapping, you need a map-making expert like Building Maps to ensure the result is clear, usable, accurate, and compliant with state requirements. Our illustrators are well-versed in state-specific laws, as well as other local and federal requirements that may apply to security maps.
Our team can use an existing floor plan for your location or develop a new floor plan to ensure your maps are up-to-date. We can advise you on the best practices for labeling and gridding your map so you can be confident that the sizing and nomenclature are intuitive for all emergency personnel.
Trust your critical incident mapping to Building Maps. Your safety is our priority, and our commitment to high-quality work is evident in every project we send out. Get started with a quote today, and help your school district achieve a safer tomorrow.
