Role playing, practice, and calmly discussing possible tragedies, even with young children, help when tragedy actually happens as it did today. The educators wisely practiced disaster training which saved many lives.
I remember during my elementary school years in the 60's of practicing "Duck & Cover," at least monthly. The teacher would announce it, and we would hide under our desks until the teacher said it was okay to come out. We knew the danger would be from nuclear fallout due to the Cold War with Russia. We didn't need to understand it. In actuality, "Duck & Cover" would not have saved us, but the more important issue was the feeling of empowerment we received by feeling we had some control over what to do when bad things happen.
Due to disaster in other schools, Sandy Hook schools, along with many others nationwide, have a disaster plan which gives children the power they need to feel they are helping while also knowing when it is time to obey the directions given by those in authority.
In 1989, I lived in Sioux City, Iowa, when Flight 232 crash landed at the local airport. Due to the magnificent skill of the pilot, only 111 died of the 296 passengers. A disaster drill was held previously due to the insistence of Gary Brown, the Woodbury County Disaster Services Director. The drill included members of the on site Air Guard, hospital on guard, plus fire departments from small towns. The day of the actual crash, we saw ambulances driving to the airport, and hoped it was a drill. The practice and team work was fundamental in limiting the loss of life during that tragedy
Preparation is the key. A serious look at our mental health services and identifying potential problems may be a solution.
As a parent and grandparent, my heart goes out to all the families involved.
I remember during my elementary school years in the 60's of practicing "Duck & Cover," at least monthly. The teacher would announce it, and we would hide under our desks until the teacher said it was okay to come out. We knew the danger would be from nuclear fallout due to the Cold War with Russia. We didn't need to understand it. In actuality, "Duck & Cover" would not have saved us, but the more important issue was the feeling of empowerment we received by feeling we had some control over what to do when bad things happen.
Due to disaster in other schools, Sandy Hook schools, along with many others nationwide, have a disaster plan which gives children the power they need to feel they are helping while also knowing when it is time to obey the directions given by those in authority.
In 1989, I lived in Sioux City, Iowa, when Flight 232 crash landed at the local airport. Due to the magnificent skill of the pilot, only 111 died of the 296 passengers. A disaster drill was held previously due to the insistence of Gary Brown, the Woodbury County Disaster Services Director. The drill included members of the on site Air Guard, hospital on guard, plus fire departments from small towns. The day of the actual crash, we saw ambulances driving to the airport, and hoped it was a drill. The practice and team work was fundamental in limiting the loss of life during that tragedy
Preparation is the key. A serious look at our mental health services and identifying potential problems may be a solution.
As a parent and grandparent, my heart goes out to all the families involved.
No comments:
Post a Comment