We see the never-ending reporting about school shootings. They occur in places we may have visited. We may even have friends and relatives whose lives have been impacted by this violence that seems endemic in our society. But that could never happen in our children's school, or could it?
Safety is at the top of the list of concerns for parents and students. Harassment, bullying, and COVID are all still concerns, but shootings have unnerved people in every age group and walk of life. It seems as though no public place is safe anymore.
Preparing for emergencies is an ongoing process—even if a school (public or nonpublic) is at a high state of readiness for an emergency, there will still be a need for continued security, safety, and emergency management. Source: REMSTA (Readiness & Emergency Management for Schools)
Prevention
Preventing incidents from happening requires action from you and your children's school. You are partners in keeping young people safe.
The Parent's Obligation
- Understand the measures your school has put in place to prevent incidents from occurring.
- Discuss these measures regularly with your children.
- Teach your children to be situationally aware.
- Keep your lines of communication open and relaxed, so your children will tell you about anything and everything.
- Keep your phone charged with the school's emergency alert application configured to notify you anytime.
- Monitor your local weather conditions as emergencies can include severe storms, tornadoes, and flash floods.
- Teach your children how to call 911 for help.
- Teach your children how