Forget bulletproof backpacks, video cameras and school security officers — Omer Barnes says he has an even better way to keep kids safe from a school shooter.
Barnes imports bullet-resistant doors from his native Israel that can turn a classroom into a safe room, since most schools are already made of hard-to-penetrate concrete and cinderblocks.
His 2.5-year-old company, REMO Security Doors is completing an installation at Harrington Park’s lone pre-K through 8th grade school building. It’s the same school where his own children will be attending 4th and 6th grades.
“There are many products out there and many companies trying to make money off people’s fears,” Barnes says. “This wasn’t about trying to make money. It’s about trying to find a solution to keep my kids safe and everyone else.”
The doors are constructed of components used in 90-minute UL listed fire doors, and a high security forced entry and bullet resistant door. The school security doors are made of two 18-gauge galvanized steel sheets that are reinforced with steel bars and a polycarbonate window. They also have a 12-point locking system that jams if shot at.
“Its about time and frustration,” said Harrington Park Superintendent Adam Fried. “We need time to get to a safe place and we want to frustrate the active shooter.” The doors cost about $2,500 each and Harrington Park purchased more than 50 using money set aside for emergency preparedness, Fried said.