WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
From … Mark S. James
- Director, Missouri Dept. of Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor (2005-2009)
- U.S. Bureau of ATF Special Agent in Charge (retired) and former Chief of Intelligence (1987-2007)
- Missouri State Trooper and former Supervisor of Intelligence Section (1978-1987)
“To anyone interested in and concerned about the safety of our schools …
I spent 31 years protecting and serving citizens of Missouri and the United States and the Staying Home dual-purpose shelter is the most exciting prospect I have seen on the market for protecting our school children and teachers from the threats of school shooters and tornados.
Its unique design puts the shelter right in the classroom where it provides instant bullet-proof and tornado protection of up to 25 students plus the teacher. No more turning off lights and barricading a classroom door with desks and chairs hoping the shooter will go on and no more herding students to a brick and mortar storm-shelter located somewhere else on campus hoping you get there before the tornado hits. This is real protection where you need it the most – IN THE CLASSROOM.
I would encourage anyone contemplating school safety issues to consider the Staying Home Shelter.”
Mark S. James
SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Dennis Truxler, Superintendent
– Quitman School District, AR
“Yesterday we had severe weather in Arkansas. Tornado warnings were issued for several counties including … our district.
“In my 19 years as superintendent I was as calm as I have ever been because of having safe shelters in all classrooms for our staff and students.”
Karen Chandler,
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“I have had so many parents express how glad they are that we have these [shelters] for the safety of their kids. I as a teacher, I feel safer than I ever have.”
Theresa Hawks,
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“There is a strong likelihood that at some point, each and every school year, we will have to use [the shelters] in the event of a tornado. Even if we only had to use them once, the peace of mind that it gives knowing that I do not have to take my babies outside to head to a ‘safe place’ is indescribable. Also, the students getting to see them every single day, should make ‘having to use them’ not seem so ominous.”
Ariane Johnson,
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“I have a beautiful, new science classroom and 2 months into my move in, I have a shelter installed in my room. It’s a long, metal, cream colored structure and while its size dominates a wall in my classroom, my head and heart can rest easier. My students and I have something in place to protect us if the need ever arises. I rest even easier knowing my 4-year-old son in the preschool room can be safe, and my niece in the 2nd grade room is safe. While the structure may cover an entire wall, I feel at peace, secure and safe.”
Tammy Ezell,
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“I have taught for 30 years … I cried when [the safety shelter] was finally installed. When I had all my students go inside of it for a safety drill, I felt such a calm relief to know that all of my children would be safe no matter what the future holds. Even after I am gone, it will remain that ‘insurance policy’ for future generations in this community.”
Connie Carter,
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“I love having [the safety shelter]. I feel safe and don't have to worry about what I'll do with my special needs kids if we have an emergency.”
Kim Rankin,
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“We are very excited and proud to have the shelters in our classrooms. I had a parent come in during parent/teacher conference who said it had given him such a peace of mind to know his children would have a safe place to go in case of an emergency. As a parent with a child at school I feel the same. We are truly blessed to have these safe rooms in our school.”
Jennie Palmer
Teacher
– Quitman School District, AR
“I love having the peace of mind that the shelter brings. I no longer worry about the kids in my classroom or my own children that are down the hallway.”