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North Texas Father Creates Bullet Proof Backpack For Son

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MANSFIELD (CBSDFW.COM) -  The attack in San Bernardino has many people re-evaluating just how safe they are at work or the safety of their children in school.

For one North Texas father, safety has now risen to the level of a bullet proof backpack.

Kerry Lyons says he knew right after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary that he had to help his son prepare for a "worst case" scenario.

"You have to start educating your children at a young age," says Lyons. "I don't use the word 'profile' but I do say you have to be vigilant."

He spent $200 on a bullet resistant panel made out of the same material as police-issued Kevlar vests.

"It'll withstand a .357 by itself," says Lyons.

It slides right into his son's backpack.

"An assault rifle? No it won't stop it. But it may slow it down enough."

Lyons is a personal safety expert, who teaches rape prevention.

In a world of growing violence, especially the kind that comes as a complete surprise, the Mansfield father says he's no longer operating in the world of if – but when.

"Stuff can happen. There's bad people everywhere. It doesn't matter what zip code you live in and if you're not prepared, that may be the last mistake that you make," says Lyons.

The company that makes that panel also sells a backpack fully made of bullet proof material for $400.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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