Arkansas schools install safety shelters to protect against storms, active shooters
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A recent survey conducted with school teachers indicates that nearly half are contemplating transferring schools or quitting altogether due to their concerns about safety.
With an increase in mass shootings after the expiration of the U.S. Assault Weapons Ban and the worrying trend of schools being targeted by active shooters, school safety leaders have looked for ways to protect their people and facilities from threats.
The Quitman School District in Arkansas decided to confront threats facing their buildings from weather and other safety concerns by installing safety pods in each classroom in the district. The pods, from National Safety Shelters, serve a dual purpose — protection from both tornadoes and active shooters.
They have been designed and tested to withstand the destructive forces of the highest category (EF5) tornado. In addition, each safety pod is constructed with National Institute of Justice (NIJ) ballistic Level III steel (MIL-DTL-46100). The pods are capable of stopping bullets from semi-automatic weapons, such as AR-15 and AK-47 rifles. The safety pods can be used to retrofit existing buildings, designed into new ones, or be moved to a different location later if necessary.
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