Story highlights Alabama students were asked to bring canned goods for school security

Cans or other heavy items could be used to fight school shooters

It's part of a larger school district plan to empower students

(CNN) When is a can of beans more than just a can of beans?

When it's a weapon of self-defense for students to throw at an armed intruder who has just entered their school.

That's one scenario Valley, Alabama, officials are considering as part of their training to respond to school shootings.

Though it may strike some as an insignificant and perhaps even silly response to a deadly problem, it's no joke at W.F. Burns Middle School.

It's part of active shooter response training offered by the ALICE Training Institute, a company founded by a former police officer and former elementary school principal.

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