The W set to host emergency drill Sept. 19
Mississippi University for Women will coordinate with Lowndes County Emergency Management for a large-scale disaster drill Thursday, Sept. 19 beginning at 8 a.m.
Law enforcement agencies, first responders and The W nursing students and faculty will participate in the annual emergency drill. During the drill, the university’s tornado sirens and the university’s emergency alert system will be tested. The university also encourages all students, faculty and staff to review what to do in the event of a tornado.
“The emergency drill is an opportunity to test our emergency plan and procedures. If there are parts of our plan that need improvement, we can make corrections before a real emergency occurs. For our faculty, staff and students, experiencing how a serious incident might affect our campus and how we would react is excellent training,” said Randy Vibrock, The W’s chief of police.
The parking lot and green space between Pohl Gymnasium and Cromwell Communication Center will serve as the impacted area for the disaster drill.
All university faculty, staff and students should be aware of the increased emergency vehicle presence during the mock drill. If an office or department is expecting any visitors or contractors during the time of this drill, please alert them in advance.
The streets adjacent to the emergency drill which include 10 Street South, 11th Street South and Seventh Avenue will be closed for the duration of the drill.
Upon conclusion of the drill, a hot wash will be held in the Pohl Gymnasium to share lessons learned from the exercise. The cooperative drill between city, county and university personnel is used to enhance each agency’s response and cooperation in the event of a disaster or emergency situation.
In the event of a real-life emergency, please call 911 or campus police at (662) 241-777. During the emergency drill, please use the words “real life” to communicate in the event of an actual emergency.
The campus community is encouraged to take a moment to ensure they are signed up for the W-Alert. The W is committed to ensuring the campus community receives timely and accurate information in the event of a confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on the campus involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of the students and employees.