Rainbow DJ LabRas Tafari Inc. · Rainbow Beach Park, Chicago
Proposed:The Lab is not running yet. No class runs until every item on the launch checklist is complete.
Rainbow DJ Lab › Safety › Active Threat and Lockdown

Active Threat and Lockdown

How Rainbow DJ Lab adults lead children through "Run, Hide, Fight" adapted for kids, lock down in the fieldhouse, and reunite children with families.

Status

This policy was adopted by the Ras Tafari Inc. board on October 17, 2026.

Pending: the lockdown plan for the Rainbow Beach Park fieldhouse (which rooms lock, which doors to block, hiding places, and the outdoor escape routes and rally point) is to be finalized with park staff during the site walk, which has not happened yet. That is part of item 6 on the launch checklist. No class runs until it is done.

The guidance we follow

We follow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FBI public guidance, "Run, Hide, Fight," adapted for children: adults lead, children follow. Children are never asked to decide on their own where to go, and children are never asked to fight.

Run, Hide, Fight, adapted for children

Step What the adults do What the children do
Run (first choice, if there is a safe way out) The adult nearest the threat-free exit says "Follow me" and leads the children out, away from the danger. Leave the gear and bags. The other adult brings up the rear and makes sure no child is left. Little DJs go with their own grown-up. Once safe, call 911. Hold a buddy's hand, follow the coach, stay quiet, leave everything behind.
Hide (if running is not safe) Move the children into the nearest room that locks, out of sight of the door. Lock and block the door, turn off lights, close blinds, silence all phones. Stay away from doors and windows. Call or text 911 if it is safe to do so. Sit down low, out of sight, perfectly quiet. Stay with your buddy.
Fight (adults only, last resort) Only if the attacker reaches the children and there is no other choice, adults act together to disrupt and stop the attacker, using whatever is at hand. Children do not fight. They stay hidden or run when an adult tells them to.

Lockdown in the fieldhouse

The specific rooms and doors are to be finalized with park staff. The steps are:

  1. Whoever learns of a threat (from park staff, police, an alert, or what they see or hear) says "Lockdown" clearly.
  2. Children in the hallway or restroom are brought into the nearest lockable room with an adult. The adult at the restroom entrance brings the restroom buddies with them.
  3. Lock and block the door. Lights off. Out of sight of the door's window.
  4. Silence phones. Text 911 if calling would make noise.
  5. The children lead takes a whispered headcount against the roster, and tells responders of any missing child once it is safe.
  6. Do not open the door for anyone, including someone saying they are police, until park staff or police confirm through an agreed method (to be set with park staff) that it is safe.
  7. When police arrive: stay calm, follow instructions, keep hands visible and empty, and go where police direct.

Outdoors (summer, on the lawn)

  1. The incident lead says "Follow me" and leads the children away from the danger toward the escape route and rally point (to be set at the site walk).
  2. If running is not possible, get the children down and behind solid cover.
  3. Headcount at the rally point; call 911.

Reunification

  1. Police direct when and where children may be released. We follow them.
  2. At the reunification point, each child is released only to an authorized adult, with photo ID checked, and recorded, exactly as at normal pickup. See ID check protocol and Emergency action plan.
  3. Two screened adults stay until the last child is released.
  4. Families are contacted by phone or text as soon as it is safe to share where to come.

How we talk about this with children

  • We practice a calm, short "hide quietly" drill within the first two classes of each season, framed as "practicing being super quiet and following the coach," without scary details. Families are told in advance.
  • Children who are upset by a drill can sit with an adult in view. See Behavior and emotional safety.
  • After any real event, we will share support resources with families.

What you'll be told

  • Before each season: when the lockdown drill will happen.
  • During an event: a message as soon as it is safe to send, saying your child is safe (or that we are working with police) and where to go.
  • Afterward: a written report within 24 hours. See Incident reporting.

Sources

  • Ready.gov, Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces / Active Shooter (Run, Hide, Fight; what to do when law enforcement arrives): https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter
  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Active Shooter Preparedness: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/active-shooter-preparedness