Staff members learn how to react if ever involved in shooting
Whether it’s in a school or in a mall, the unexpected event of a shooting is always a threat. To increase chances of survival, everyone needs a plan of action in case ever put into that horrific situation.
Ian Halperin, WISD Director of Communications, presented a video for all of the district staff to watch. The video shows specific details of what to do if ever a victim of a public shooting.
“The Wylie Police Department showed us (the District Safety Committee) this video last year at a training session and we decided to use it for staff training,” Halperin said.
The video gives step by step details of what to do in the event of a shooting and everything is reenacted to portray an actual shooting.
“It’s designed to be very realistic and therefore a little shocking,” Halperin said.
The first step is to escape if possible. If an exit is near, go for it. Grab anyone you run past and tell them to tag along. The video suggests not to let them slow you down if they hesitate. After exiting, call 911 if in a safe location.
If unable to escape, hide in a place away from windows, out of the shooter’s sight. Block the door with large items if able to do so. Turn off the lights, remain silent, put cell phones on silent and lower the brightness.
Lastly, if with other people, plan to fight. If the shooter walks in, have large items ready to catch them off guard and hit them with. Staying brave in these situations and having a plan of defense can always come in handy.
“When we show the video to teachers and staff we start by telling them we realize that since we work with children, their response may be different,” Halperin said.
“A first grade teacher in a classroom may only be able to ‘hide’ while a high school teacher in class may be in a position to ‘fight.’ You have to act in the best way at that moment and no one will judge you in a crisis situation.”
The most recent events of shootings occurred at a high school in Colorado. The shooting lasted a total of 80 seconds. Whether it’s 80 seconds or 80 minutes, everyone should know what to do in case this were to ever happen.
“It could happen anywhere: movie theatre, restaurant, even church. Individuals need to be prepared to react in any situation,” Halperin said.
The video is called “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event” and can be viewed on YouTube.
“It is a good, informative, video just in case it happens. If you can’t run, hide. If you can’t hide, then fight,” WEHS Art teacher Mrs. Gilpin said.
The safety and security of students, staff and guests is WISD’s priority.
“The video is just part of the district’s overall safety and crisis management plan. We continually work with the authorities to update. Revise and practice these plans,” Halperin said.