Appalachian State University will conduct an emergency
exercise Wednesday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The exercise
will simulate a hostage taking and active shooter scenario.
More than 100 participants, including law enforcement personnel
from the university, Boone Police and Watauga County Sheriff’s
Department will participate.
Other participants will include Watauga Emergency Medical Services
and Boone Fire Department.
The university’s emergency Web site (www.emergency.appstate.edu)
will include information about the exercise and a link to a mock
up of the site that will include information from exercise to
aid in future training scenarios.
During the exercise, an area along Stadium Drive will have limited
or no access to those not involved in the drill.
In particular, the parking areas behind the Chemistry, Astronomy
and Physics (CAP) Building and Justice Residence Hall will be
restricted.
The exercise will include individuals who will play the role of
the hostage, reporters, students and the gunman.
All participants will be identified by special vests or colored-coded
armbands and badges.
Only those individuals properly identified will be allowed in
the exercise area.
In addition, only modified firearms with simulated ammunition
will be allowed in the exercise area.
“Appalachian has developed several emergency plans that provide
a coordinated response to campus emergencies and ultimately a
safer campus. Hands-on training, like this exercise, provides
emergency responders and university officials the opportunity
to actually test and further improve those plans,” said Seth
Norris, Appalachian’s emergency management coordinator.
The exercise is part of the university’s ongoing activities
related to campus safety.
Twice a year, the university conducts a tabletop exercise in which
responses to various scenarios are rehearsed and discussed, such
as a fire, explosion or chemical spill on campus.
For more information, contact Norris at (828) 262-8081.
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