"Safe Cocoon" Myth

Good morning and welcome to wwwblogs. All month, we’re focusing on teens and the trials they face as they move toward being adults. Today, it’s all about school violence and exactly what everyone can do to curtail school violence.
One of the phrases I hear a lot in regards to school violence is the existence of a “Safe Cocoon.”  This is used by companies and/or people describing a safe place during or after the violent event.  In reality, this is more than likely a myth, a phrase meant to espouse a sense of safety for those caught up in a shooting with no exit from the area.
What you can do to protect yourself is to turn off all notification alert sounds on your phone. Everything. Don’t leave the text on, so you know when someone contacts you. Don’t think you should leave the ringtone activated, in case your parents call. TURN OFF ALL ALERT TONES. That will make the difference if the shooter comes into the room but can’t see you. if they hear you, they will fire in that direction.
Another way to protect yourself is to find a dark corner where you can hide. Push yourself in deep. Quietly turn over desks and huddle behind them. Resist the urge to peek around a corner if a door opens.
Here’s the really hard part of finding yourself a safe place. You have to shove your fear into a far corner of your mind. Most adults can’t do this, but if you focus on survival rather than just hiding, you can release the fear and let calm take over. Being calm will help you think clearly and give you the strength to survive.
If you hear a strange sound, don’t gasp or ask who’s there. Shove a fist into your mouth if necessary, but never make a single sound, especially if someone has just come into the room. Even when that person leaves, don’t get up to check. Wait for the police to arrive.
How do you know it’s an officer and not the shooter?
First of all, adult voices, especially those of first responders, will have a different tone than that of a teenager wanting to hurt as many people as possible. You’ll feel somewhat safe, not scared out of your mind. If you don’t think the person is someone you can trust, remain still. But if you’re certain they’re someone who can help you get out, follow their orders and come out slowly. Or use some kind of a mirror to check and see if the person is wearing the uniform of local law enforcement.
Once you’re outside the building, keep following the directions of the police. Don’t run and scream. Don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself. Simply walk toward where they’re directing you.These are common sense moves one can do to create their own “Safe Cocoon.” Even though you’re a teenager, you can do this. Just believe in yourself.



About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.                                                             A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

Find out more about my books at these social media sites:
Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads Amazon Author Page 
Google + Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb 
Authorgraph Email