Largo police teach active shooter preparedness class

LARGO (FOX 13) - Brooke Beaudet and her daughter worry about where the next school shooting will occur.

“It just seems like things are getting more out of control,” Beaudet said.

“It was scary honestly seeing kids run out of the school,” said her daughter, Caliegh Fortucci.

They both want to be ready, just in case.

They attended an active shooter training Tuesday night at the Largo High School.

The course is called A.L.I.C.E. – alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate.

“We just want to make sure we're teaching people there are plenty of options,” said Largo Police Officer Keith Bowling.

Officer Bowling says getting out should always be option No. 1. 

Barricading the door can also save lives.

In some cases, swarming an attacker and fighting back may be necessary.

“You want to find anything that’s a field expedient weapon could be a cup a shoe phone, anything we want to distract the shooter so he can’t acquire a target,” he said.

Though it all may be easier said than done, preparation can make all the difference.

“We’ve had shootings at airports churches you never know when it might happen to you or your kids,” said Beaudet.