Local security expert says emergency training important

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel believes a shooting rampage that killed 17 Wednesday afternoon started outside of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The gunfire continued inside the building when 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz stormed in.

“I heard five pops, and I was like, that's not a drill,” a student said.

[MORE: Sheriff: 17 dead, more than a dozen injured in shooting rampage at Parkland, Florida high school]

School officials said Cruz was expelled from the school and attending another public school in the area.

Cruz stormed into the high school with an AR-15 rifle with multiple magazines.

CNN reports he pulled the fire alarm before shooting.

Charlotte security consultant Chauncey Bowers said it is a reminder to have a plan, as mass shootings happen over and over.

“This is a problem that has been plaguing the United States,” Bowers said.

Bowers called  the response in Florida “efficient.”

SWAT teams surrounded the building, stationed at nearly every entrance as students filed out in lines. most of them dropping off their bookbags along the way.

“If anybody knows anything about Stoneman Douglas High School, it's one of the biggest schools in Broward County. It's huge. It's a huge campus,” Bowers said.

That's why Bowers said emergency training must be specific to every school, then adjusted at least every quarter.

“Because you have a constant change in faculty, staff, and definitely every year you have a brand new grade of students,” Bowers said.

The expert said officials should also think about reaching out to businesses that are near the school so that in case of an emergency, students and staff might be able to run there for safety.

Bowers said to include the businesses in the plan.

Cox Media Group