What to Do if There’s Danger at School?

No one ever wants something scary to happen at school, but it’s important to know how to stay safe if it does. In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the community of Winder, Georgia, in shock, a tragic shooting unfolded at Apalachee High School. On September 4, 2024, a 14-year-old student opened fire, resulting in the loss of two students and two teachers, and injuring nine others12. This devastating event has once again highlighted the urgent need for effective safety measures and preparedness in such critical situations. This guide will help you understand what to do if there’s ever an emergency, like a school shooter, so you can be prepared.

1. Stay Calm and Think Clearly
When something scary happens, it’s easy to feel afraid, but the most important thing is to try and stay calm. Take a deep breath, and think about what you need to do to stay safe.

2. Listen to Your Teacher
Your teacher or a school adult will probably tell you what to do. Listen carefully to their instructions, because they’ll help guide you to safety. If they ask you to stay quiet or move somewhere else, follow along.

3. Run, Hide, Defend – What You Should Do
If there’s danger, here’s a simple plan to remember: Run, Hide, Defend.

Run: If you’re able to get away from the danger safely, run as fast as you can to a safe place. Don’t worry about leaving your backpack or things behind — just focus on getting to safety.

Hide: If running isn’t safe, find a place to hide. Your teacher might lock the door, and you can help by staying very quiet. Hide behind something solid like a desk or bookshelf, and don’t talk or make noise.

Defend: If you’re ever in a situation where you can’t run or hide, and the danger is right there, try to protect yourself by using something around you. This is only a last resort, but remember, you can defend yourself if you have to.

4. Stay Quiet
If you’re hiding, it’s really important to stay quiet. Turn off any sound on your phone or anything else that could make noise. The quieter you are, the safer you’ll be.

5. Help Friends if You Can
If you’re safe and see someone who needs help, try to help them too — but only if it’s safe for you. For example, if someone doesn’t know where to go, you can guide them to a safe place.

6. Tell an Adult
Once you’re in a safe place, tell an adult what happened. If you have a phone, call 911 and tell them where you are and what’s going on. Give them as much information as you can so they can help you.

7. Wait for Help
If you’re hiding, stay in your hiding place until a police officer or adult tells you it’s safe to come out. They will come find you, so don’t move until you know it’s okay.

8. What Happens When Police Arrive
When the police arrive, their job is to stop the bad person. They might not help anyone else at first because their main job is to keep everyone safe by stopping the danger. Don’t be afraid if they look serious — just follow what they say.

9. It’s Okay to Feel Upset
After something scary happens, it’s normal to feel sad, scared, or upset. It’s important to talk to someone about how you feel, like your parents, a teacher, or a counselor. They are there to help you feel better.

10. Practice Being Safe
Even though dangerous things at school don’t happen often, practicing safety is important. Pay attention during safety drills and talk to your parents or teachers about how to stay safe. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll feel.

It’s important to know what to do if there’s ever danger at school. Remember: stay calm, listen to your teacher, and use the Run, Hide, Defend plan. Practicing these steps can help keep you and your friends safe if something scary happens. You’re stronger and braver than you think!