CHALRESTON, WV (WOWK) – The West Virginia Division of Homeland Safety is reminding West Virginians of the steps they will take to assist report and stop potential threats to colleges within the Mountain State.

The WV DHS says within the wake of the tragic mass capturing at Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, Might 24 the place a gunman opened hearth in a classroom and killed 19 college students and two academics they wish to be sure residents know the steps to take with a view to “see one thing, say one thing” to assist cease these tragedies from taking place of their communities.

One technique to report considerations is to name the West Virginia Secure Colleges Helpline.

The quantity for the helpline is 1-866-723-3982 (1-866-SAFE-WVA). The toll free helpline is open and answered 24 hours a day, seven days per week. You probably have info relating to a possible risk to the varsity or something that would hurt college students, workers or property at faculties within the state, the WV DHS is urging you to name the quantity and report the knowledge. Callers can stay nameless upon request.

The WV DHS additionally says concern residents have the choice to electronic mail their tricks to safeschool@wv.gov.

Keep in mind, what impacts your college, impacts you and your neighborhood.

West Virginia Division of Schooling

“In the event you see one thing, it’s worthwhile to say one thing,” mentioned DHS Secretary Jeff Sandy. “West Virginia has taken numerous steps over time to make our faculties as secure as potential. We’ve got established initiatives just like the Secure Colleges Program and the Secure Colleges Helpline. Simply six months in the past, Governor Justice offered over $1 million in order that we might add over 50 Prevention Useful resource Officers throughout the state.”

The West Virginia Division of Schooling says examples of knowledge that may be reported can embody violence, weapons, threats, thefts or property harm, drug or alcohol abuse, and sexual harrassment. When calling the helpline, the WVDE says to make sure you will have the next info ready:

• Clarify what you’re reporting – a criticism, downside, suggestion, and so forth.
• What time did the incident occur or when is the incident anticipated occur?
• At what college did/will this happen?
• Who’s the alleged suspect?
• What, if any, college does the alleged suspect attend?
• An outline of the incident within the order it took or is anticipated to happen?
• In the event you want to be contacted, how can the WVDE and WV DHS get in contact with you? That is non-obligatory info and also you should not have to supply your contact info if you don’t want to.

“West Virginians must be very proud. However we will’t be complacent,” Sandy mentioned. “Everybody – from the Division of Homeland Safety to most of the people – has an obligation to talk up in the event that they sense hassle. You recognize if one thing doesn’t really feel proper. In the event you get info that you just really feel would possibly pose a hazard to our college students and academics at any of West Virginia’s faculties, it’s worthwhile to contact the Secure Colleges Helpline.”

The “see one thing, say one thing” motto has already prevented a tragedy within the Mountain State simply this 12 months.

On April 6, a Ripley Excessive Faculty scholar in Jackson County, West Virginia, noticed a 15-year-old Ripley Center Faculty scholar, with a gun on the varsity bus. That top schooler was hailed a hero after he grabbed the journal from the weapon and turned the 15-year-old in.

The 15-year-old and his 16-year-old brother have been taken into custody after authorities realized the elder brother allegedly stole the gun from a neighbor, and the youthful allegedly had one particular goal that he deliberate to shoot.

The teenager who spoke up was honored later that month for his courageous actions.