I read an article that got me to thinking, and asking the question, “would I know what to do?” Calm. Cool, Collected, an article written by Sherry Posnick-Goodwin in the 2017 October/November issue of the California Educator, focuses on three real-life heroes (Joyella Beuler, Darlene Peters & Jennifer Downing) who recalls a shooting tragedy on their elementary school campus in San Bernardino, CA. There is no doubt school shootings have increased. The 1990’s recorded 62 shootings; the 2000’s recorded 61, and, so far, the 2010’s have recorded a total of 133 shootings. As a result, some school campuses across the country have become more diligent and proactive when it comes to security and school safety. According to the article, despite an upswing in school shootings – and a mass shooting in San Bernardino two years ago – Beuler says she always felt extremely safe at her school. Yet, she and others found themselves in the middle of a campus shooting.
Is your school doing enough to assure you and your students safety? Are you doing enough to assure you and your student’s safety? Whether you feel safe or not on your school campus, you have a responsibility to make sure you are doing your part. Be proactive!!! Especially if you teach students with severe disabilities!!!
* Be cognizant of your surroundings.
* Report any suspicious activity and/or person.
* Know your schools emergency procedures for evacuating.
* Practice safety procedures on a regular basis. Especially for those students who are afraid of the dark when classroom lights are turned off, have trouble with quick transitions, etc.
Would you know what to do if a shooting occurred on your school campus? Here are some tips to survive a school shooting.
* Prepare and plan, ahead of time, what you would do if an armed attacker is on your campus.
* Try and exit, if possible. If you know the shooter is in another area of the building/campus, try to evacuate your students to a safe area.
* If you can’t exit, hide. Barricade your door with chairs, desks, sofas, etc. The bigger the barricade, the more likely a shooter is to move on to an easier target. Lock your doors, turn off the lights, pull down the blinds, and stay as quiet as possible.
* Use a landline to call 911, if possible. In case the call is interrupted, the address will appear to the dispatcher.
* Silence your cellphone. It can give your location away.
* Do not hesitate!!!
* Grab any weapons you can find to use (scissors) or throw (stapler, hot coffee, coffee cups, etc.).
* Try to stay calm!!!
Planning, preparation, and practice all lead to action instead of reaction. Action provides better results. Would you know what to do? My hope and prayer is that you will never have to answer that question. In the meantime, at least you know you have planned, prepared, and practiced!
And for my parent readers, it is a good idea to have a plan in place at home. Be prepared, and have practiced for any emergency that might befall you at home. Know alternative ways to get out of your house with your child. It is always better to be safe then sorry!!!