Battle Ground Public Schools

Battle Ground introduces Run Hide Fight options during student safety drills

Student and staff safety is a top priority in Battle Ground Public Schools. As part of our efforts to maintain safety in our schools, we instruct and drill students and staff on emergency procedures so that everyone can respond to an emergency without confusion or panic. The district regularly practices evacuation, lockdown, and shelter-in-place drills.

This year, Battle Ground Public Schools is implementing training on additional options that staff and students can use to respond to life-threatening situations. Staff at our schools have been trained on how to use the Department of Homeland Security’s Run, Hide, Fight protocols. These protocols are endorsed by Clark County law enforcement agencies for use if a dangerous intruder should come onto a school campus.

Next week, Dec. 3-7, staff will share the Run, Hide, Fight options with students after participating in a full lockdown drill. Teachers and students will discuss the Run, Hide, Fight protocols and the actions they can take to protect themselves if there is a threat to safety at their school.

Run Hide Fight protocols urge students to
Run when it is safe to run.
Hide where it is safe to hide.
Fight if you have no other options.

During the classroom discussion, teachers will convey to students that schools are one of the safest places to be, and it is unlikely we will ever need to implement these protocols. But if it becomes necessary, we will do what is needed to keep students safe.

K-4 students will hear the following messages:

• During all emergencies, students should listen and follow staff members’ directions.
• A staff member may tell you to go someplace other than your desk or classroom.
• When the adult is talking, listen very closely and do exactly what they say.
• If you have questions, save them until the adult says it is time to answer questions.
• If you have a cell phone, make sure to turn the volume and vibrate off.
• If you hear or see anything concerning, please report it immediately to an administrator or staff member.

Middle and high school students will hear the following messages:

RUN

Your first option is to run. If you are unsure if it is safe to run, use traditional lockdown procedures. If you decide to run to safety, look for indicators of violence such as sounds of gunfire, sounds of people screaming and/or running, and people gesturing. If you decide to run, continue to run until you feel you have reached a place of safety, which typically will be off campus.

HIDE

If you decide to hide, understand the difference between taking cover and cowering. Important reminders for hiding include: follow full lockdown procedures (lock/barricade doors; cover windows and get out of direct sight); take cover behind heavy items; improvise using available resources such as belts, etc. to secure door; do not open door for anyone (law enforcement will be able to gain access to the room on their own).

FIGHT

If you are faced with an armed intruder, do anything you can to survive. Fight includes using available resources for weapons such as fire extinguishers, pens, staplers, laptops, etc. Remember, this is the worst-case scenario, and you may take actions you never imagined. It is important that you are aware of what measures you are willing and able to take before being in a situation that requires you to make such choices.

Preparing our students for emergencies is a priority. No one wants to contemplate something bad happening at our schools, but through responsible planning and training, we are better able to respond. We encourage you to follow up with your child about Run, Hide, Fight, and engage in discussions about school and community safety in an effort to be prepared to act in the event of an emergency.

More information about Battle Ground Public Schools’ emergency practices is on the district website.