You may have read and seen the news of the recent school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. Bishop David P. Talley, Dr. Chris Fay, President, Catholic Schools of Memphis, and our Diocese lifts up in prayer the victims of these tragic incidents, their families, the faculty and staff, and the community who experience the devastating impact of such violence, asking God to bring them comfort, healing, strength, and peace.
As Catholic educators and members of the faith community, we are all called to protect one another, especially our children, who are entrusted to us each day. Through preparation, vigilance, and a shared commitment to safety, we put our faith into action by creating environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
FBI: Run, Hide, Fight
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Run, Hide, Fight model provides a simple, practical framework to help protect students, faculty and staff, and visitors in the event of an active shooter on school property. This guidance emphasizes three critical actions:
— Run by safely evacuating the area, when possible.
— Hide by securing yourself in a safe location when evacuation is not possible.
— Fight as an absolute last resort when faced with an immediate threat to your life.
By understanding and preparing for these options, our Catholic Schools can strengthen their readiness, respond more effectively during an emergency, and help protect the precious gift of life entrusted to our care.
May God guide and protect our schools, strengthen those who serve and protect others, and grant all of us the wisdom and courage to respond in times of need.
Run
— Wherever you go, be aware of alternate exits.
— Quickly and cautiously evacuate in a direction away from the attacker.
— Do not hesitate. Seconds matter.
— Remember windows and emergency exits.
— Leave belongings behind. Keep empty hands raised and clearly visible.
— Follow all instructions from the police.
— Do not stop until you are sure you have reached a safe location.
Hide
— If there is no safe escape route, find a good hiding place.
— Lock and barricade the door.
— Silence cell phones.
Fight
— Fight only as a last resort.
— Use available objects as improvised weapons.
— Use teamwork and surprise. A coordinated ambush can incapacitate an attacker.
— You are fighting for your life. Do not fight fair!