Parents express growing concerns and precautions amid school threats and lockdowns in the Ohio Valley

OHIO VALLEY (WTRF) — Many schools throughout the Ohio Valley have either received threats or have gone on lockdown out of an abundance of caution on Wednesday.

Some schools are closed altogether.

They get the word out to parents by all-call.

And now parents wait for word every day, which–many say–adds an extra layer of stress and fear to their lives.

This mother of two recalls one father’s story in the Uvalde school shooting.

His child was so ravaged by bullets that he could only identify her body by her shoes.

Now, every day, she memorizes what her daughter is wearing.

Her entire outfit, how her hair is, if she has fingernail polish on, if she has a different color shoe, whatever she’s wearing, I try to memorize, Lord forbid, in the event that an actual school shooter would come in, I would be able to identify her.”

Concerned parent, Bellaire

Today, she called off work and kept her kindergartener home from school because her school district announced a lockdown late.

Because in today’s world, I would rather err on the side of caution and keep her home.”

(Concerned parent)

These threats, school closures, and lockdowns are all adding to the worries parents already have, juggling schedules, pressures, and children’s rising mental health issues.

Jamie Davis, licensed professional counselor, sees these concerns mounting every day.

Absolutely. As a parent myself, I see it with my communication with other parents and the school system; this is definitely an added stress.”

Jamie Davis, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

One suggestion she has for parents: learn your school’s plan, including the stages of lockdowns.

Check their website.

Learn what a code yellow is, as opposed to a code red.

Then, create your own plan with your child.

Now, my son, what’s your plan? What will you do? Who will you call? Where will you be? You know, making a plan always gives us a sense of calm and preparedness.”

Jamie Davis. M, Licensed Professional Counselor

She says while parents don’t want to focus on fear, they must still take every threat seriously.

She says almost all school shooters give a warning, and that can include posting their plan on social media, or telling their friends to stay home that day.

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