By now we have all heard about the horrible tragedy that took place in Parkland, Florida. A 19 year old man, who was expelled last year for fighting, returned to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., with a vengeance Wednesday, bolstered by a gas mask, smoke grenades and multiple magazines of ammunition and a semi-automatic weapon. Due to that event happening I ended up googling a phrase I never thought I would have to 'how to stay safe during a shooting'. 

It's a dark day in America, when we have to google something like that. It's a dark day in America when our children are afraid to go to school due to senseless violence like what was exhibited yesterday and sadly more times before it. How do we talk to our children about this? How do we have this conversation among our family and friends? I want to be clear to you, this isn't an anti-gun post, this is simply one guy who has had enough of the killing in institutions that should be safe for our kids. When you or I attended school my biggest fear wasn't guns or violence it was having to shower for gym in front of other guys, or speaking in front of the class for a book report.

I feel awkward having to write this, but it seems like this is something we need to know and share with our children.

When I googled that phrase I got a wikiHow page that spells it out very clearly as to what you should do in this situation. There are 5 different methods listed as to how one does this. The Five Methods are as follows and linked with steps to accomplish those:Escaping SafelyHiding and Barricading YourselfEngaging the ShooterPreventing or Preparing for a School or Workplace ShootingWhen Emergency Services Arrive.

Finally I ask that each and everyone of you reading this to hug, kiss, or text your children and/or spouse  that you love them and care about them.

This post is dedicated to all the teachers, lunch personnel, hall monitors, and school employees that protect and educate our youth.

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