Article:
MUSCATINE, IA-A school shooting is a parent's worst nightmare, but a handful of teachers have come up with something they think will save lives.
A group of small town teachers have a big idea called "The Sleeve." It's a device that slips over the closer-arm of a door to prevent the door from being opened from the outside. The idea is to buy time for teachers and students during a school shooting.
"It's in the back of the mind every time, every time we walk through those school doors, ya know, could this be the day,” said President of Fighting Chance Solution Dan Nietzel.
Tactics during drills didn't do the trick, so the team came up with a better system. The Sleeve is made of solid carbon steel that can withstand 550 pounds of force.
“The Sleeve is meant to be fast and easy. It takes only a second to slip on, and when there's an active shooter, seconds are what count,” said President of Muscatine Community College Bob Allbee.
Muscatine Community College is installing The Sleeve in all their classrooms.
"Hopefully, we'll never use them. Hopefully, we'll just have to dust them every once in a while and they'll be on the wall, but in case we need them that's why they're there, again we're just trying to buy some time," said Allbee.
The sleeve is painted 'safety red,' like a fire alarm, to help address concerns of teachers being locked out.
"When students think of this, see this they think OK safety, ya know this is not to be messed with unless it's a life or death situation," said Nietzel.
The Sleeve is custom-made and small enough hide away in a drawer. They cost $65 and measurements can vary.
