Gunfire and screams. Panic and terror causing uncontrollable shaking. Cries of pain and shock create a gut-wrenching despair. If you have imagined what it would be like to witness a school shooting, this could be how it feels to some. It should be unimaginable to everyone where these sounds and feelings are foreign, but that is not the case today. We live in a world where children are at a high risk of being attacked, a tragic set of circumstances. Every child deserves to be safe at school. Whether a teacher or principal, you want the best for your students. You want them to succeed and thrive. Have you thought about safety practices? Here are three tips you and your students can do to prepare for any safety threats.
1) Safety Practices: Communication
Start simply. If you tackle complicated and confusing solutions right away, your students and yourself might forget safety practices. You also might not remember them when facing a threat. If you keep your practices simple, it allows for everyone a chance to practice and remember them. This is why communication is your first step. By keeping everyone in communication with one another and up to date, you can develop trust and reliability. It can empower your students and your staff. Communicate daily. Stay aware of the mental health of your students and staff, and connect with one another on how you can make a healthy environment.
2) Safety Practices: Plans
Your next step is to develop plans. Plan for the worst. What’s your exit plan? Do you have a lockdown plan? Do you have a plan of action? These are all questions you must ponder as you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. Pick out signs and codes for what plans fit different situations. Make a plan for when a threat could change if you are in the midst of one. How can you prepare with materials in the classroom? What kinds of technology can you take advantage of outside of the school? Take a moment to think about each scenario and how you could respond, then take your ideas to the staff and discuss what works and what doesn’t. Remember, communication was your first step, so by communicating, you and your staff can come up with solutions that are effective, especially since everyone has their own perspective.
3) Safety Practices: Actions
No one might truly understand how they will react in a dangerous situation. That is why you must practice taking action, through drills and simulations. Practice what you will do if you are in lockdown or need to exit the building. What is most critical is understanding how to take action if you ever face the threat. Practice self-defense mechanisms. Practice tactical solutions that are practical, like installing bullet-proof glass or other products. If you practice taking action, you will have a lot higher chance at protecting everyone, especially your students.
Safety Practices: Repeat Them
After you work on these safety practices and give advice to the staff and students, you can keep working on them. “Practice makes perfect,” right? The more you work on and develop these skills, the higher chance you have for survival when facing a threat. Preparedness is key when it comes to threat training and saving lives.
Do you need help getting a start on these? Don’t worry, you have us. APS is here to guide you through protecting your students. Contact us for a security and risk consultation and we will equip you with what you need to stay safe. We are here for you.
