School threats have been becoming increasingly common across the nation in recent years.
Elmira High School was notified of a non-credible school shooting threat on Sept. 17, early in the morning. The threat was shared through a post on a popular social media platform, Snapchat.
Families were notified about the threat, but buses were already en route, making the spread of information less effective. That morning was full of phone calls to the EHS office and parents coming in to get their students.
“I chose to send my kid to school. I trust our local law enforcement to make that judgment call,” EHS parent Kyleigh Burgess told Falcon News. “Had I gotten the call before she left for school, I probably would’ve kept her home.”
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth Clark met with Falcon News to discuss the proper way to handle the situation.
“The biggest part is telling somebody that can then report it,” Clark said. “Students need to not screenshot and reshare the posts, especially on Snapchat because names will get lost.”
The deputy says that if threats are properly reported the investigation can be more efficient.
“If students go through SafeOregon or tell a trusted adult it makes the investigation much easier for us.”
During Homeroom the week following the threat, principal Cydney Vandercar reviewed the emergency terms and what to do in each situation that could happen at our school.
In a lockdown, teachers ask students to move away from sight, maintain silence and do not open the door at any time. In a lockout, students must return inside, so the teacher can lock the door and school goes back to normal.
In an evacuation, students are asked to bring their phone and leave their belongings behind. Lastly, in a shelter-in-place situation — a tornado, hazmat, earthquake or tsunami scenario — students need to seal the room and drop, cover and hold.
To report a tip to SafeOregon, call or text 844-472-3367.
