School shootings are no longer uncommon. During the first half of 2018, there were 23 school shootings in the United States and 27 children have died. Parents can no longer take school safety for granted, while educators and school administrators are faced with the challenge of how best to respond to the reality of this level of violence in schools.
Opposing Views: Run. Hide. Fight.
If you find yourself in an active shooter situation, follow these steps:
Q: Does the “run, hide, fight” approach really work?
A: The “run, hide, fight” model of response is the official recommended response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, this model of response does have its critics, who argue that it does not address the fact that many individuals tend to “freeze up” in crisis situations. Critics of “run, hide, fight” have also argued that this model of response encourages too much passivity and is based on a linear model of thinking that does not always apply in high-stress, violent situations.
Regardless of your thoughts on the matter, we encourage our readers to prioritize their own safety first and foremost, to help others when possible, and to both alert and stay out of the way of the professional first responders, the police, fire, and other emergency departments.
What can managers do?
While these types of tragedies are often hard to predict – the perpetrator may have no prior criminal history and no reported mental health concerns – as leaders, we encourage you to be mindful of behaviors such as:
As managers, be vigilant about investigating the following types of reports or findings in the school setting:
How Ulliance can help
If you have been involved in or a witness to acts of violence, it may be helpful to speak with a professional about your experience.
Even if no violence occurred but a threat was made, it is completely normal if you feel a certain level of distress. Sometimes talking through these reactions can help alleviate the stress.
This is what the Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program® is for – free, confidential assistance for these types of situations and any other work-life issue.
Contact Ulliance for more information on how to put a plan in place for your school or business.
866.648.8326