Lockdown drills educate students, teachers; still more training wanted

     When staff and students wake up in the morning and make their way to school the farthest thing from their mind is, "What if an intruder comes in the school today?"
     Most everyone likes to believe that a school is one of the safest places to be. But school shootings and violent acts have become more prevalent across the United States. From Columbine to Sandy Hook, and even right here in Chadron, these shootings have brought forth the reality of school violence. "It's not a matter of if, but when," said Mrs. Paopao.
     School shootings have created fear in students, parents, and teachers thus causing schools to take serious action against intruders. "Although we cannot prepare ourselves for every scenario, I think we could do more training and practice," Mr. Mack said. The lockdown policy states that, all students and staff should secure themselves in the closest, safest area (typically behind locked doors and/or bar-loaded doors) until law enforcement or a school administrator has released them.
Chadron High School's current lockdown policy mirrors the "I Love You Guys" foundation lockdown policy. Officer Chrisman hopes to see CHS "adopt the policy in full and also use the 'Run, Hide, and Fight" policy to lean towards a safer school."
     When a lockdown is taking place and an intruder is inside the building causing a threat, the police department is immediately contacted. The local law enforcement officers will quickly respond to the school, enter, and move towards the threat. At that time officers will pass over any fallen or injured subjects and continue towards the threat. After the threat has been taken out or neutralized, officers will secure the building to insure there are no more threats. Once secured, the officers and/or paramedics will tend to the fallen and injured.
     Mr. Mack is preparing staff and students for potential lockdown scenarios by "discussing, practicing, and attending trainings on school intrusions."
     "Schools today must expect the unexpected, even though I feel that our school is very safe. We still need to be prepared," said Mr. Pope.
     Mr. Nobiling has taken a strong initiative towards preparing staff and students for a potential lockdown scenario. He introduced the "Run, Hide, and Fight" video and encourages teachers to show it in their classrooms. "I believe that the lockdown policy is a crucial part of our district policy, and I think it should be practiced multiple times a year even a couple times per semester just like a fire drill is practiced," said Mr. Nobiling. "Having been through a school shooting has stemmed my passion for protecting staff and students from a potential threat," said Mr. Nobiling. Mr. Nobiling believes that every pod and every classroom in area D should have a "go kit" that is equipped with tourniquets, wool blankets, bandages, a device to breakout a window along with other emergency supplies that every staff member and student knows how to use.        
     Although no one wants to think about the reality of a lockdown it is crucial to be as prepared as possible. It is always better to be safe than sorry.