Non-lethal protection in schools

There appears to be a great deal of controversy regarding allowing teachers to arm themselves within public schools for the protection of their students. Obviously, protection of our most precious resources, our children and grandchildren, during "extreme circumstances" should be first priority.

Wouldn't it make sense to use NON-LETHAL devices, such as magnesium flares, which would cause temporary blindness of much greater intensity than that following exposure to a photographic flash? Similarly, percussion grenades (aka "flash bang") which are extreme noisemakers, could also be used to distract, and disorient, the perpetrator.

It would appear to be most useful to store a cache of these devices in undisclosed areas known only to those teachers, and administrators, in the school who were both trained and authorized to use them in emergencies.

For example, a cache of these devices could be stored near, or under, a false floor, in each fire extinguisher location, or in other designated areas. In an emergency requiring a response to an "active threat" those officials authorized to respond would do so with effective deterrent, but non-lethal, force.

This procedure would also diminish the frequency and probability of difficulties with loaded weapons. If it was still deemed prudent to have someone with a weapon assigned to the building, there would be less chance for accidental discharge of weapons because of fewer weapons needed.

Just a thought.

Jerrell Driver, Cape Girardeau