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	DO YOUR PART FOR PREPAREDNESS *Stacy Gerlich, Los Angeles City Fire Department* This article will focus on the importance of the understanding and being prepared for Violence in U.S. Schools. Some of the specific areas that will be covered include, (a) violence/statistics, (b) Indicators/Warning Signs, (c) Non-Verbal Communication and (d) expectations/plans. The information presented in this article is a summation of a more complete program that is in existence today.
Violence/Statistics The following information spans 42 months of study in the area of School Violence. In 1997, there were four incidents that involved shootings around the United States. The following states were those involved, respectively; 1. Bethel, AK 2. Pearl, MS 3. Paducah, KY 4. Jonesboro, AR In 1998, there was another rash of shootings that also occurred. The next stated areas were those that were involved in such senseless violence; 1. Springfield, OR 2. Richmond, VA 3. Littleton, CO 4. Conyers, GA What may come, as a big surprise is that most Juvenile Homicides actually occur outside of the school itself? School shootings account for less than 1% of those homicides. Of those 2100, 56% were killed by a firearms.2500 Juveniles were arrested for murder in that same year. 123,400 Juveniles were arrested for other violent crimes, 52,200 more for weapons and not surprisingly, 6093 students were expelled for firearms in 1996-97. Approximately, 500 of those were in elementary school.
Indicators/Warning Signs Taking a look into the specific grade levels, we can see how there important it is to observe and act on certain types of behavior. The following information is not conclusive, but it offers a foundation for concern. A. First Grade- Combination of Personality and Family Factors might include the child's inability to get along with classmates B. Second Grade- Below average in school and they have few friends C. Fourth Grade- Frequent fighting and being labeled by peers as outcasts D. Sixth Grade- Expulsion, Juvenile Hall and Prison
Non-Verbal Communication Have you ever considered the importance of Dress Codes? You are well aware of the different types of advertisement that appears on T-shirts. Some of these may initially appear to be harmless, but the truth is that they are conveying a message by those who wear them. As an example, in the California Penal Code the numbers, 187 refer to homicide. In Indiana, the numbers, 35-45-1-3 describes someone who has been arrested for being disorderly. There is an abundance of numbers that can be picked out the Penal Code book, but what this example provides is how a message can be conveyed through non-verbal communication. Expectations/Plans This area cannot be stressed enough. The best way to mitigate a problem is to be prepared. All schools should have an emergency plan in place. More importantly, the faculty must drill on their plans and have a clear understanding as to its importance. Preplanning should include but not be limited to, (a) Risk Assessment (b) Vulnerability Assessment and also the inclusion of Access, Utilities, Rooms, Hidden Spaces and Hazards. Conclusion This article is just a glimpse into the subject of School Safety. Our younger generations are the ones who will be filling our shoes in due time. If this subject is taken to lightly, we will continue to see the numbers climb as they relate to Juvenile Homicides. Preparation is still the best way to help minimize poor performance. For those of us who have some experience in the education system, we know that the six “P’s” of teaching refer to the following phrase; Proper planning prevents piss-poor performance. This is a serious matter that must be dealt with immediately. For those of you reading this who are in the business of education, please do your part in preparedness. This will help everyone involved. Lives can and will be saved and families will be spared great grief.

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