Taking defensive measures

With the latest horrific killing of students at Santa Fe High School in Texas, the immediate need is for extreme defensive means to deter an active shooter from inflicting serious harm. With over 300 million guns in circulation in the U.S., no new gun control legislation can stop a deviant behavioral perpetrator from gaining access to a high-power weapon.

My suggestions listed below are just a few that can be immediately employed.

Active:

Have all staff issued panic buttons to alert all of a pending emergency

Have stun guns available for those who qualify

Remote control water cannons and smoke or tear gas released from ceilings

Passive:

Bulletproof glass on all classroom doors

Direct video links to all first responders

Single entrance for visitors with metal scanners

Report any suspicious person or activity to proper authorities

Wish list:

Need an app developed for your smartphone showing all the life safety features that the school provides. Specifically show all emergency exits and their paths of egress from your existing location and directing you to safely exit to the outside and out of harm’s way.

There can be better means developed by professionals who are knowledgeable in these matters, but the urgent need exists now so all our students and staff can be strongly protected as failure is not an option.

— Bob Sweeney, Warwick, R.I.