CHARLESTON — Following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security is reminding all West Virginians about the Safe Schools Helpline.
The West Virginia Safe Schools Helpline is a toll-free number, answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that residents can call at 1-866-723-3982 (1-866-SAFE-WVA).
Anyone can report information regarding anything that could harm students, staff or property at any of West Virginia’s schools. Callers may remain anonymous upon request.
Concerned citizens can also email tips to safeschool@wv.gov.
“If you see something, you need to say something,” DHS Secretary Jeff Sandy said. “West Virginia has taken countless steps over the years to make our schools as safe as possible. We have established initiatives like the Safe Schools program and the Safe Schools Helpline. Just six months ago, Gov. (Jim) Justice provided over $1 million so that we could add over 50 prevention resource officers across the state.
“West Virginians should be very proud. But we can’t be complacent. Everyone – from the Department of Homeland Security to the general public – has an obligation to speak up if they sense trouble. You know if something doesn’t feel right. If you get information that you feel might pose a danger to our students and teachers at any of West Virginia’s schools, you need to contact the Safe Schools Helpline.”
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) houses the state’s Safe Schools program, which provides support to public school systems around the state to enhance security and safety at all West Virginia educational facilities. The West Virginia Safe Schools Helpline was created in 2005 in an effort to open the lines of communication between emergency personnel and concerned citizens.
Since its inception, the helpline has received nearly 3,000 calls from those concerned with school safety.
On Feb. 1, 2019, a caller reported a perceived threat on social media against Huntington High School. WVEMD staff immediately notified law enforcement and school officials, who then notified parents and students. Less than 10 hours after the threat was reported, the Huntington Police Department apprehended the suspect and any further violence against our students was prevented.
“The outcomes from the Safe Schools Helpline and Safe Schools program are an example of what can happen when agencies work together toward a goal common to everyone: keeping schools in West Virginia safe,” EMD Director GE McCabe said. “The recent tragedy in Texas should serve as a reminder to us all of how important it is for everyone to remain alert, pay attention and to act when there is a threat of danger.”
At the direction of Justice, the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security has worked collaboratively with local law enforcement agencies – both state and federal – over the past several years to ensure that all West Virginia students are learning in the safest environment possible.
In November 2021, Justice awarded over $1 million in Justice Assistance Grant program funds to several West Virginia counties, which enabled more than 50 certified West Virginia Prevention Resource Officers (PROs) to be placed in elementary, middle and high schools across the state.
Additionally, the West Virginia Fusion Center (WVFC) continues to monitor threats using Real Time Open-Source Analysis software so that any danger to West Virginia students – or any citizen for that matter – can immediately be identified and intercepted.
In the event that a threat is identified, such as the threat of a school shooter, the WVFC immediately contacts the appropriate law enforcement agency, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division’s (WVEMD) Safe School Director and the…
Read More: Department of Homeland Security reminds public of W.Va. Safe Schools Helpline | Journal-news