North Carolina Schools Proactively Prepare, Test School Safety Plans

North Carolina Schools Proactively Prepare, Test School Safety Plans

Educators, administrators, first responders and law enforcement officials all recently met at Atkins High School to discuss, plan and test their school safety plans.

  • By Kaitlyn DeHaven
  • August 06, 2019

For the first time ever, 400 individuals met at Atkins High School to discuss school safety and proactively test their school safety plans to ensure success.

Educators weren’t the only ones involved, as principals, assistant principals, school administrators, local first responders, the Forsyth County Office of Emergency Management and federal agencies all participated and thought through how best to respond to emergency situations.

Some of the scenarios the teams had to find a solution to included two crises, such as one that asked what the plan would be if there were both a shooting and a hostage situation at the same time.

These plans are called ‘mapping systems’ and they explain how each stakeholder reacts, plans and strategizes how to work with each other during emergency situations.

"I think everyone wonders," FCOEM Director Vernon August said. "I think everyone whether you’re a teacher, a student, a principal or a parent. Everyone is going to wonder a little bit what are we doing to prepare for something like this? And, as a parent, I want to make sure my kids’ schools are ready to roll if necessary."

This meeting will not be a one-time occurrence, as the district will update everyone involved, including students, educators and law enforcement, on the most recent safety strategies throughout the year. These updates will take form in drills, conversations and simulations.

About the Author

Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

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