Times Observer file photo by Brian Ferry Warren County Sheriff’s Deputy and Warren County School District School Resource Officer Jon Uplinger talks over a barricade to staff and students in a Sheffield Area Middle High School classroom following a lockdown drill in October 2020.

The Warren County School District and emergency responders throughout the region are working to become more prepared.

From noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, the district will host a multi-agency active intruder drill at the Sheffield Area Schools.

“The drill will focus on the responses necessary for law enforcement and other community entities that would be on-site in the event of an active intruder or mass casualty incident,” according to a district release.

There will be unusual activity at the schools during that time.

“Anyone in the area of the school during the drill will see a number of emergency vehicles in the area and may hear gunfire resulting from the use of simulated ammunition — Simunition,” according to the release. “Please do not be alarmed; these are all parts of the drill designed to mimic real-life situations that may be encountered.”

The schools will be closed to the public on the day of the drill. Anyone with business to conduct at the schools – registrations, for example – should contact the district office at (814) 723-6900.

Questions about the drill may be directed to Safety and Security Coordinator Brandon Deppen at (814) 723-6900 ext. 1041.

“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work with our first responder partners to better safeguard our students,” the release said.