While it’s the responsibility of grown-ups – parents, teachers and principals – to keep children safe at school, there are some things that you can do to help them, your classmates and yourself deal with possibly dangerous situations.

1. Talk with your teachers or your parents about any concerns you might have about school safety in general. Sometimes just knowing that there’s a plan can calm your fears.

2. Pay attention. If your school has lockdown drills, don’t goof off. Follow the instructions so that if there’s ever a problem, you will know what to do.

3. Report concerns. If you see a stranger hanging around your school or if you hear a classmate talking about hurting people, tell a grown-up. That’s not tattling or snitching. You could help save someone’s life.

4. Remember that school shootings, as scary as they are, are rare. You will probably never have to face a situation like this at your school, but it’s smart to be prepared just in case.