RALEIGH -- State leaders say people in North Carolina need to make sure they're prepared so they don't have to be reactionary should a situation like Wednesday’s Florida school shooting happen here.

There was already an Emergency Management Oversight Committee scheduled for Thursday where people with expertise in so-called “active” situations were speaking.

In the wake of the Florida shooting, lawmakers had many questions about preparedness here in North Carolina.

The state's chief fire marshal talked to members about fire and safety inspections in the state. That includes public settings like malls and schools.

Lawmakers said they feel helpless in situations like the shooting in Florida but want to be proactive if there are ways state leaders can help make children and the public safer.

“There simply has to be answers to these problems. And I also, by the way, think it re-enforces the idea that while we may not be able to preempt, we darn sure ought to try to preempt and not throw up our hands and say ‘Oh Well,’” said Sen. Ron Rabin of Harnett County.

A clinical psychologist in Charlotte said it's understandable for parents to be nervous now while dropping their kids off, but it's important to be strong for them.

She offered the following tips for parents:

  • Communicate confidence to kids
  • Restore a sense of safety
  • Limit their exposure to news coverage
  • Talk to them

There are no impending law or policy changes here in North Carolina but legislators certainly say they have a lot more questions and will propose changes if that is necessary.​

Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the victims of the Florida school shootings.

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