Maintaining a safe environment for students and staff is a priority for any school administration. However, when time and resources are scarce, even the everyday risks facing your school may seem unmanageable.

We can help! At Utica National we are committed to assisting each of our insured educational institutions in achieving their safety goals and objectives. Here you will find timely and reliable information on common and evolving exposures to risks at school.

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NEW! Utica's School Risk Manual: Helping Your School Deal with Crises, Misconduct and More. Click here for this valuable resource.

NEW! Learn more about how Thermographic Maintenance can make your school safer. Tackling the “Fraud Triangle” Part 1 of 3This a 3 part series that addresses fraud, internal controls and red flags for fraud. The alerts focus on cash funds and collections that often 'disappear' due in many instances to a lack of controls when handling petty cash funds or other cash/check collections. Learn more by reading the alerts below: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Technology - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. View our latest article by Michele V. Handzel, General Counsel for the New York State Council of School Superintendents. Schools and colleges seen as "soft targets" for cyber criminals. Be sure that your school's computer systems/networks are safe with information from our latest Risk Management Alert. It offers critical information and best practices for cyber security. Important Update to School Science Laboratory Guide: This helpful guide was created for teachers, and offers information on chemical waste, safety and emergency equipment, common safety symbols and signs, and more. Be sure to view the updated Guide now. Important! Balancing Student Privacy and School Safety: A Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for Elementary and Secondary Schools now available from the U.S. Department of Education. Attention Transportation Directors and Business Officials! Our latest School Bus Safety Rules Coloring Sheet is available. This is a great tool that you can download and print for elementary school students in your district to help make students more aware of school bus safety.

Be aware of the EPA's New Lead Renovators Certificate Rule that may impact your school if you're planning renovation, repair or paint work. Learn more... The Federal Trade Commission and other government agencies have released a new publication titled "Net Cetera: Chatting with kids about being online." Be sure to check it out now. Important Alerts: A reminder about the Pool & Spa Safety Act that requires installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems. Important information for schools with pools. Also, be sure to read our new alert on protecting onlookers from "foreseeable dangers" at school sporting events. Our Risk Management Alert focuses on the importance of effective wording and utilization of hold-harmless agreements for use of facilities with adult educational and/or recreational activities by outside groups. Important Safety Alert from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding stadium light poles falling and posing risk of serious injury or death. Fun for kids! Our downloadable coloring books are available in PDF. "Step Up for Safety" Fire Safety Playground Safety