EP 08:  Former law enforcement officer and founder of Safe Kids Inc., Adam Coughran, shares the H.E.R.O. method (Hide, Escape, Run, Overcome) that schools and families use to stay safe in unexpected real-life emergencies. Learn how to create a simple, age-appropriate family safety plan—without fear or overwhelm. 

How to Create a Simple Family Safety Plan Without Scaring Your Kids

Marketing With Empathy® Podcast | Guest: Adam Coughran, Safe Kids Inc.

As parents, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by thoughts of danger—especially when headlines blare stories about violence and emergencies. But in the latest episode of Marketing With Empathy®, Sarah Panus welcomes renowned safety expert Adam Coughran, founder of Safe Kids Inc., for a hopeful, practical conversation about what really matters when it comes to keeping our kids safe—both in and out of school.

Whether you’re worried about emergencies at school, violence at public events, or simply want your kids to have the confidence to navigate unexpected situations, this episode is packed with wisdom you can use tonight around your dinner table.

Why Most Parents Have Safety Blind Spots

Most parents are not law enforcement officers or soldiers. As Adam Coughran points out, we usually don’t have training for what to do in potentially dangerous or violent situations. We may assume schools practice safety drills regularly, but the truth is, not all do—and even fewer teach children the underlying skills to stay safe outside the classroom.

It’s these “blind spots” that can leave both parents and kids feeling unprepared. If everyone’s operating purely out of fear or adrenaline with no plan, things can spiral quickly. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Introducing the HERO Safety Framework

Enter the HERO program: a simple, options-based response to danger for children, teachers, and parents alike. HERO stands for:

• Hide

• Escape

• Run

• Overcome

For little kids, it also stands for Hide, Escape, Run, Obey—and the core idea is flexibility. As Adam Coughran explains, "It’s empowering people. Kids, teachers—very simple things that they can do to stay safe regardless of the situation.”

What makes HERO so effective? It’s designed to be easy to remember, age-appropriate, and most importantly, transferable. Kids (and adults) can use these skills at school, the mall, public events, or even just walking to a friend’s house.

Why Drills Matter—But Practice is Key

Did you know that while 90% of schools have an active shooter safety plan, only 67% regularly practice drills with students? (National Center for Education Statistics)

Talking with your children about safety doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, as cited in the episode, age-appropriate, well-designed drills reduce anxiety and build confidence.

How to Start: The One Simple Action for Every Family

If you’re not sure where to begin, Adam Coughran’s most important advice is: Create a basic family safety plan—even if it’s just one simple rule about where to meet if you’re separated.

Here’s what you can do tonight:

• Over dinner, identify the top five places your family most frequently visits.

• Ask your kids, “If something unexpected happened here, where would you go to feel safe or find help?”

• For teens, collaborate on options and let them take an active role in problem-solving.

• For little ones, start with simple guidelines, like “always listen to Mom or Dad in an emergency.”

If your child walks to school, pick two houses or businesses along the route to run to for help, just in case.

Creating a Culture of Calm Confidence

Remember, the goal isn’t to scare your children but to empower them. As Sarah Panus says, “This show isn’t about fear—it’s about equipping you with practical tools so you can parent with calm and confidence.”

Key Takeaways

• Safety is a life skill: Empower kids with flexible, memorable strategies they can use anywhere.

• Drills do NOT increase fear: Age-appropriate practice builds confidence and readiness.

• Start small: Even one family plan (“meet at the car if we get separated”) is a huge step forward.

• Let kids participate: Ask for their input on safe places—they’ll remember and use their own ideas.

• Review your school’s policy: Ask administrators how (and how often) drills are practiced—and advocate for what your children need.

Connect with Adam Coughran & Safe Kids Inc.

• Website: safekidsinc.com

  • Explore the resources page for family planning guides, printables, and safety infographics.

  • Parent app coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on tools designed just for families.

• Contact Adam Directly: adamsafekidsinc.com

  • Adam replies personally to emails and is happy to answer parent questions about safety, drills, or the HERO program.

Bonus Resource:
Safe Kids Inc. Family Safety Planning Guide — Download a printable for little ones to tuck in their backpack or pocket.

Final Thoughts

By carving out time for one practical conversation with your family, you’re already making your children safer and more confident. As a parent, you don’t have to tackle everything at once, but these little steps matter far more than you think.

And remember: equipping your kids to face the world is one of the most loving things you can do.

Help Me Spread the Light

Together, we can be the light God calls us to be. If this episode encouraged you, I invite you to:

✨ Join my email list for quick updates about future episodes and related topics to help keep kids safe.

✨ Share this episode with a friend, pastor, or business leader who cares about protecting children.

Donate to Support Future KEEP KIDS SAFE Content

If KEEP KIDS SAFE has encouraged you, would you consider making a one-time or monthly gift to support the mission?

Your donation helps me create free, hope-filled content that equips Christian parents to protect their kids and shine God’s light into dark places.

🙏 DONATE $9 NOW

Every gift matters—thank you for standing for the safety of children everywhere!

About the Host, Sarah Panus

Sarah Panus is a Christian mom, the host of KEEP KIDS SAFE and Marketing With Empathy® (top 5% podcast globally), owner of the content marketing consulting company Kindred Speak, and a passionate advocate for protecting children. She’s on a mission to equip Christian parents with hope-filled, practical ways to keep kids safe in today’s world.

She lives in Minnesota with her husband, two kids, and Golden Retriever.