This past Thursday a man drove on to Arkansas State University's campus with a shotgun, a can of gasoline, and a propane tank in his bag, threatening anyone who came in his way. The school was instantly placed on lockdown where students were given instructions via text message. The message's instructions were clear, students were to remain in their respective locations, keep out of sight and away from doors and windows. Luckily the prospective assailant was taken into custody and no one was hurt, but at any given moment this can happen to anyone, anywhere. Arkansas State is located about two and a half hours away from Southeast Missouri State University. This threat hit home for some students and had everyone on campus asking the same question.
Are we really prepared for the worse?
The same year as the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, my school district became a "test school" where staff, faculty and local law enforcement would conduct mock shooting drills after school. They eventually added students who wanted to volunteer to stay; it would be come extra credit for the students in drama classes. They began using students in elementary schools, and eventually led up to the high school. It even became fodder for national media outlets like NBC.
Their story sparked both praise and arguments from both sides of the table. Some parents where outraged that this was happening in their child's school, even if their child wasn't present. But many of those arguments were repressed due to the resounding praise from other parents and students who were happy to know the school was undertaking preventative measures.
After the high school drill was conducted with the students involved, I remember very vividly teachers bringing up the idea of an active shooter and what to do during an emergency. I remember them saying if you hear shots break the window and climb out, and push all the desks up against the door. I will remember always what one of my teachers said word for word:
"No one is going to blame you for breaking a window out and running."
"Run" those words were repeated to us several times over the next couple of weeks. Hide first, but then if you hear shots or see the intruder then run in the opposite direction.
In the end did these active shooter drills really prepare us for anything?
I believe that no matter how much preparation we have if the real thing happens, we will do what our instincts tell us. We must hope that what we were told surfaces in our memories if the situation happens.
So when the next tragedy happens just remember to ponder the question: Are we really prepared?
