Run, Hide, Fight

Historically, schools have used "lockdowns" as the primary means of securing a building. While lockdowns are useful in most situations, it should not be the only option available for response. By limiting access into, out of and within the school, students and staff are stationary with limited opportunity to escape, should there be a violent intruder.

Run, Hide, Fight is an intruder response plan where staff and students assess the situation and respond on which option is best. As the name implies, if a violent intruder comes into a school, the response could be to run to a safe place, or hide in a locked area, or attempt to stop the intruder as a last resort with items found in the school.

“We want staff to know that Run, Hide, Fight is about options. No single response fits with all situations, but we want them to know this is another option so that they can respond appropriately. We want everyone to be prepared.”

Terri Moses, Division Director of Safety and Environmental Services

Run, Hide, Fight is supported by Kansas Safe and Prepared Schools, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Key Points

Run

Hide

Fight

FAQs

Information for Parents

Our schools are among the safest places anywhere. But, as safe as our schools are, we've all heard reports of violent attacks in places that no one dreamed would ever be in danger. To be prepared and to ensure students and staff members know how to protect themselves from harm, the Wichita Public Schools has adopted an intruder response plan recommended by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Stay Safe (Pre-K-5) booklet is specifically designed to help teachPre-K-5 students the importance of staying safe in an emergency. The information is presented in an age-appropriate format and is designed to teach and reinforce the concepts of Run-Hide-Fight.

What Does Run-Hide-Fight Mean?

In the event a violent intruder enters a building, students and staff are trained to:

RUN (Get Out or Evacuate)
If there is an escape path, students and staff will attempt to evacuate. Students will need to stay calm as they follow the teacher's instructions.
HIDE (Lock Out or Barricade)
If evacuation is not possible, students and staff will find a place to hide in an area that can be secured.
FIGHT (Take Out or Resist)
When RUN or HIDE fail or are not possible FIGHT as a LAST RESORT. If lives are at risk, attempts should be made to incapacitate and disarm the attacker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is this necessary?
A. Safety is priority. We are teaching students important ways to be ready for emergency situations.

Q. Are you going to tell my child to fight?
A. No, we want students to follow the teacher's instructions, to practice and be prepared, not scared.

Q. What should I do if my child is scared?
A. Get with a counselor or support staff at your student's school.

Talking Tips

Make time to talk
Let your child's questions be your guide as to how much information to provide
Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate
Emphasize that schools are very safe places
Reinforce that adults are there to protect them
Remind your child of ways we all keep schools safe including:
- Keeping exterior doors locked
- Adults monitoring the playground
- Practicing emergency drills
- Reporting danger immediately to a trusted adult

Downloadable Handouts

What You Can Expect During a Crisis at School

The school-based crisis response team will respond as necessary.
Depending on the situation, staff and students will be secured within the building or evacuated from the school building.
If the situation merits, appropriate Wichita and/or Sedgwick County public safety/emergency response personnel will be dispatched to the school site.
A telephone call, email, or letter explaining the crisis and the response will be sent home with students as soon as possible.

Parent/Guardian Response

DO NOT COME TO THE SCHOOL
- You may not be able to get into the school. You may put yourself in harm's way or interfere with emergency response.
STAY WHERE YOU ARE
- Listen for information and instructions. Information will be conveyed through ParentLink, Wichita Public Schools social media, the district's cable channel, through our website www.usd259.org, and local media.
DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OR YOUR CHILD'S CELL PHONE
- The circuits you are using may be essential for the emergency response.
SCHOOL WILL RESUME AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE
- It is true that "getting back to normal" is the most reassuring response for children and adults.
TALK WITH YOUR CHILD
- Listen for any fears or concerns. Any ongoing concerns should be shared with your child's teacher and/or a counselor.

Parent Communication

ParentLink is an automated calling system (sends both phone message and email message) from your child's school.

NOTE: It is important to keep in mind that all emergency notification is based on information in the district's student database. If your contact information changes during the school year, PLEASE notify your child's school of this change so records can be updated.