Emergency Response, Active Attacker Drill held at NLCSD

Superintendent Wahls notified parents, guardians and the district team that an emergency response drill would be held May 1. The drill included an active attacker scenario. SRO Deputy Preston Roberts and New London Police Chief Ryan Wilka lead the drill. The drill is part of the district’s commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone.

Mr. Wahls emphasized that it is only a drill but asked that all take the simulation seriously so as to maximize the learning experience. It can happen here. Our employees, staff, students and community can better protect each other by practicing the skills known to reduce injury and death. According to the FBI 12.5 minutes is the average length of an active shooter incident. 5 minutes is the average time taken to call the police following a gunshot.

During the drill, students either practiced evacuating the building or remaining in their classrooms with teachers. The protocol practiced was AVOID, DENY, DEFEND. AVOID: If it is safe to do so, immediately remove yourself from the situation. DENY: If escape is not possible, secure the room and prevent access. DEFEND: As a last resort, consider how to defend yourselves using available objects in the classroom. No students actually left the school property and were constantly supervised.

Schools are a unique environment. A few adults are trusted to educate and now to protect many children of varying ages and abilities. These drills give direction and practice to these people. In this way, the decisions made at the time of a true emergency will be more dependable. A little mentioned action is learning how to communicate quickly and effectively in an active shooter situation. The entire staff appreciates the opportunity to become proactive when events are chaotic and unpredictable.

New London is fortunate to have an effective, knowledgeable SRO Officer on site. The New London Police Chief and his department are well known to the students and are a welcome educational resource. The drill completed with everyone understanding their roles and responsibilities. Fingers and are still crossed. May it never happen here.