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Officials meet to review EHS active shooter drill

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry EMS responders arrive on the scene of the active shooter drill that was held at Eisenhower High School on August 20. Representatives from the various participating law enforcement agencies met Thursday to provide feedback to help determine what went right, and what can be done better.

When it comes to preparing for disaster, conducting drills is a crucial step in providing hands-on training. But just as important is the feedback after the event that helps determine what went right, and what can be done better.

Representatives from the Warren County School District, law enforcement from both Warren County and Chautauqua County and other agencies that took part in active shooter drills held in August at the Eisenhower location met on Thursday to do just that.

As those in attendance offered their input, WCSD Superintendent Amy Stewart recorded lists of strengths, weaknesses and observations. Stewart said she was thrilled with the number of personnel who took part in the drills — one morning and one evening drill both at Eisenhower Middle High School. She emphasized the importance of repeated practice of emergency scenarios in order to “learn, learn, learn.”

Stewart kicked off what was called a drill debrief session with discussion of how communication worked during the drills.

Michael Kiehl, the district’s transportation and purchasing manager, said that the calls to 911 during each drill were handled well. “The callers did a good job of describing the situation,” he said.

Eric Mineweaser, the district’s director of curriculum, instruction and assessment said in comparison to prior similar drills it seemed like personnel were “more prepared.” “It was nice to have maps,” he said.

Maps of the buildings were provided to emergency personnel at the August drills. City of Warren Police Chief Brandon Deppen suggested bigger maps would be an improvement in the future.

The discussion also led to communication challenges, especially of concern at rural locations such as Eisenhower. Stewart talked about the possibility that in a real active shooter situation, the call to 911 could conceivably come from someone “huddled in a corner with their cell phone.”

The discussion turned to concerns about a potential lack of cell phone service and the possibility that a call to 911 could be sent to authorities in Chautauqua County, delaying notification of emergency personnel in Warren County. There was agreement among all in attendance that calling 911 must remain the top priority. Stewart added that the two objectives that have been stressed to district staff are empowering everyone to call a lockdown and call 911.

As Stewart affirmed the district’s commitment to hold drills every year, she was already considering some of the feedback as she anticipates the next event held at Sheffield schools. She asked those in attendance to offer suggestions of a best day and time to accommodate as many emergency agencies and personnel as possible. “We need to get them into our buildings,” she said. “Familiarity with the buildings is beneficial in these situations.”

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