The Value of Exercising

At 64 years old, I don’t like to buy green bananas.  And at my age, I question the value of me going to the gym to exercise five days a week.  However, I am a strong proponent of schools and First Responders exercising together as often as possible.  Two weeks ago, we led a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) with a School District, their local First Responders, and had observers from another area School District and their First Responders.  This exercise was funded by a state grant.  We invited the other District to observe because they applied for but did not receive their grant.  Although they were not active participants, there were many takeaways they brought back to their District.

Collaborating with First Responders helps schools develop and practice comprehensive emergency response plans.  By conducting drills together, both school staff and First Responders can identify potential weaknesses in the plan and make improvements, ensuring everyone is better prepared in the event of a real emergency.  During exercises we find gaps in both the capabilities listed in our plans and a disconnect between how schools and First Responders believe each group will respond.  For example, our exercise scenario was a bomb threat phoned into the school.  The school was surprised to find out their local law enforcement would not go into their building if there were the possibility of an explosive device being present.  Local law enforcement was surprised some building administrators would just tell their School Resource Officer instead of calling 9-1-1 themselves.

This is crucial during an actual emergency when quick and efficient communication can save lives.  Going back to the issue of a building administrator not calling 9-1-1 as stated in their plans, the building administrators now understand the events put in motion at the law enforcement level once the dispatch center receives the call regarding the threat.

When First Responders participate in drills at schools, they become familiar with the school’s layout, emergency exits, and specific procedures.  This knowledge allows them to respond more effectively and efficiently during a real crisis. With many law enforcement agencies facing a manpower shortage, the only time officers walk the school buildings in their jurisdiction is during their Field Training Officer (FTO) period.  Once out on their own they are often too busy to just stop in to walk the building and engage with students and staff.

Regular interaction between school staff, students, and First Responders helps build trust and rapport.  This can reduce anxiety during emergencies, as students and staff are more likely to follow instructions from individuals they recognize and trust.  I work with agencies who assign patrol officers to the schools in their jurisdiction.  These officers are required to visit their school at least twice a week on different days and at different times each week.  This gives the officer a unique look at the school, students, and activities during different times, it also tells the bad guy during the planning phase there might be an officer already on scene on the day of the event.

Schools have unique characteristics that may require specialized responses.  By working with First Responders, schools can ensure that emergency plans are tailored to their specific needs, such as addressing issues related to student disabilities, communication barriers, or large school populations.

In many regions, schools are required by law to conduct regular emergency drills, often in collaboration with local emergency services.  These exercises help schools meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate their commitment to student safety.  We encourage schools to invite their First Responders to all their drills, including fire drills, severe weather drills, and earthquake drills.  Generally, this is not required by code or statute, but it never hurts to have a fresh set of eyes to give feedback during the After-Action Review (AAR).

Schools provide a realistic environment for First Responders to practice their skills.  Conducting drills in a school setting allows them to train for specific scenarios, such as active shooter situations, natural disasters, or medical emergencies that could occur in a school.  One of the best drills one of our schools ever participated in was working with the local Board of Health that plans on using their facilities as a medical site.

Involving First Responders in school exercises helps raise awareness within the broader community about the importance of school safety. It also reassures parents and the community that the school is taking proactive steps to protect students and staff. Overall, these exercises are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the school environment.