Campus-wide Active Shooter Drill Set for November 6
Elmira, NY (10/16/2019) — As part of Elmira College's on-going commitment to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our entire campus community, the College will conduct a campus emergency active shooter drill the morning of Wednesday, November 6.
"The purpose of the November drill is to conduct an initial test of EC's emergency systems and to prepare the campus community for a more in-depth drill at a later date," said Dr. Kevin Murphy, associate dean of students. "Unfortunately, it's all too common to see incidents which illustrate how vital it is for a campus community to practice and prepare for an active shooter situation."
Students, faculty, and staff are asked to familiarize themselves with the emergency preparedness information posted on the Campus Safety web page. As would occur in a "real" event, specific instructions will be sent via e2Campus text alerts, email, and network messages. Members of the Elmira College community that have not yet signed up for e2Campus Alerts, should do so before the drill. To sign up, click here.
On the day of the drill, students are to attend class as they normally would. Once the drill begins, specific instructions will be sent via e2Campus text alerts, email, and network messages. During the drill, alerts will indicate all messages being sent are "drill alerts" to emphasize the events taking place are not real. At the conclusion of the drill, an "all clear" message will be issued through e2Campus.
In preparation for the drill, basic terms the students and employees should be familiar with in include:
- Shelter in place: remain calm and seek immediate refuge inside the closest facility it is safe to access. If inside, be sure to close and stay away from all windows.
- Limited Lockdown: may be issued due to a potentially hazardous incident on or near campus. If indoors, remain in that location and do not leave. If out on campus, students should return to their residence hall only, not to any other College property location as these will be locked and entrance will not be permitted.
- Full Lockdown: due to an extremely dangerous situation reported on the campus. The campus community is directed to shelter in place, move to a room in which doors can be locked, and stay away from windows. In a full lockdown, no one should leave a position of safety unless needed for their own protection. If out on campus, do not return to a residence hall building or any other college property, as doors will be locked and no one will be able to gain entrance. Rather, leave campus immediately by safest and most direct route possible.
In the event of any of these situations, Campus Safety will provide further details, directives or announcements, and will announce via all communication methods possible when it is safe to proceed with a normal routine.
While practicing drills for various emergencies has become commonplace for many, it can cause apprehension and uncertainty for many. Following the drill, students are encouraged to discuss with faculty, staff, and fellow students "what if" this were a real incident.
Any students, or employees, who are concerned about the drill and its impact on their wellbeing, are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Murphy at kmurphy@elmira.edu.
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