After last week’s sad and tragic event that was the school shooting at a high school in Florida, I got to thinking about how I was going to talk with my kids about the incident. I have four kids ages 14, 11, 8, and 6. Even though I think that it most likely won’t happen at my kids’ schools, the reality is that you just never know what can happen.
I’m sure those families thought the same thing. That those types of things only happen to other people. I knew I had to start opening up a dialogue with all of my kids, even my 6 year old, about the possibility of something like a school shooting or a shooting anywhere for that matter. I knew I needed to research what to tell them to do if they or we find ourselves in the situation of an active shooter nearby.
Of course if you have really young children, there may not be much you can talk to them about so as not to scare them or overwhelm them because they just may not understand. I will give suggestions of what to do for those with children most likely 5 years and up that attend school.
Here are things I did to help my kids feel more prepared if they came across an “active shooter” situation:
First find out if the school has any type of Active Shooter Emergency Plan: Do they have practice drills? How often? Does it involve just teachers or students as well? This is what our local school district stated regarding that:
“We have proactive plans and procedures to protect our students. We frequently conduct practice drills and constantly improve measures for responding to emergency situations. We work closely with area law enforcement to continuously review, evaluate and strengthen security at our schools.” -Wake County Public Schools.
It also states that each school practices a “code red” every year which is a full lock down if there is a shooter inside the school. It also stated that each school has several cameras. Our elementary school, as most of the schools in our district, has locked doors at all times. Visitors have to be “buzzed in” to the front office after staff looks at you through their camera. It is a pain at times, but I am glad we have it. You then have to sign in on the computer after scanning your driver’s license. You get your picture taken and then wear a printable badge identifying yourself and why you are there. Then you can exit through another set of doors into the school building where the classes are. I feel like this is a fairly secure system.
The only issue is that I know that this isn’t consistent for all schools in our district. My child used to go to a local public middle school nearby that is several years old. There is no “buzzing in” to the office nor are all the doors locked at all times to all the buildings since it is set up like a college campus where you have to walk outside into different buildings for your classes several times a day. It is definitely not a secure environment in my opinion. My middle schoolers now go to a secured private school with security similar to our elementary school.
On the bright side, the new schools that are being built in our area, are being built with the more secure system. But at the same time, our current elementary school is currently building 8-9 classroom trailers due to overcrowding. I’m worried that now it will be less secure than being in a classroom inside the main building.
Discuss the Run, Hide, Fight plan:
This is a great video detailing what to do if there is an active shooter in the school. These same principles can be applied to situations outside the school, like in a mall, movie theater or other place of public gathering.
Bullet Proof backpacks: Some people have even gone as far as purchasing bulletproof backpacks or inserts for their children. While I don’t think it would hurt to purchase them as an extra tool of protection, the best thing for protection is prevention, frequent training of teachers and staff as well as frequent drills for students.
See something. Say something: If your child hears or sees something at school or on social media that sounds like someone is thinking of bringing a gun or a weapon somewhere, they need to tell you or a teacher. Even if they think the person is just joking, tell them to report it anyways. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Teach your kids to always be aware of their surroundings in school and public places: I know I am guilty of staring down at my phone while walking and not being fully aware of my surroundings. In addition, always notice where the closest exit is when inside a public building.
Follow your instincts: You hear often of people’s instincts alerting them to something not being quite right and their hair standing up on the back of their neck, for example. Or they get an uneasy feeling. Tell your children that if something doesn’t seem right, pay attention to it and tell an adult.
Use a code word: I will admit that at times, when we are in public, my kids don’t always listen to me the first time when I tell them it’s time to go. They are more of the “dawdling” type and move slowly. Choose a code word if there is potential danger that signals them there is danger and you need to move quickly.
Those are a few of the ideas I learned about active shooter situations. I am glad I was able to have the conversation with them today so they can be a little more prepared in the rare event they find themselves in this situation.
Have you talked to your kids about what to do in this situation? Any good suggestions or tips you want to share?
