Teachers from across Vermilion Parish are learning techniques that could help save lives in the event of an active shooter situation.
Law enforcement worked with the schools to teach everyone what to do if a shooter or intruder ever stepped on to campus.
“We’re focusing on identifying the threat as early as possible when the incident happens. We’re giving them the proper techniques to lock down their classroom to keep their kids safe,” Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Sergeant James Gleason said.
One of the most important tools teachers walk away with from this annual event is how to lock down a classroom.
“We never rely solely on the locking device. We want to put as many barriers between the suspect and our kids as possible,” Gleason said.
Among other things, teachers are taught how to secure doors shut by shoving tables to doorknobs and using devices, like door wedges, to prevent anyone from getting in.
“Is it a hundred percent foolproof? No. But, nothing in life is a hundred percent guaranteed,” Sheriff Mike Couvillon explained.
While the sheriff’s office sponsored Wednesday’s event, they say it will be up to the school board and individual teachers to actually purchase door stoppers. Those stoppers can run anywhere from $10-$30 each.
“Because it’s such a big deal, I think the school board should provide some for us because it’s just another thing that we have to provide for our students,” said elementary school teacher Jerrilyn Young.
