School drill helps students, staff, responders prepare for worst
»Play Video
RAVENSDALE, Wash. -- Drama students caked on bloody makeup and prepared for chaos in the classroom as an officer disguised as an intruder blasted into Tahoma Junior High School.
The scene was a part a school drill that aims to prepare students and staff members for the worst case scenario.
The lockdown drill had all the trimmings of a frightening school shooting -- doors chained shut, a shooter on the loose.
The phony gunman fired into hallways as teachers followed protocol by locking doors, closing blinds, gathering kids in corners and emailing head counts.
"When police get here, they need to know who's missing and who's accounted for, and that's a big task in a school this size," said principal Rob Morrow.
Police and SWAT team members stormed the school. Half a dozen agencies treated this mockdown like the real deal, using the practice to hone their tactics. After observing, dispatchers figured how to better field calls from frantic parents while tackling other 911 emergencies.
"We have calls receivers assigned - this is just my idea - to field just parent calls," said Debi Nelson, communications center supervisor.
Even after six years of drills, she watched a wounded teacher dial 911 during the drill on Wednesday,Nelson had never thought to ask: "Is your door locked? How are we going to get to them? Need to let deputies and aids know have an injured person in the classroom, but the doors locked."
Communication between agencies is crucial.
"If you go back historically and look at any shooter that's been in a school or mall, the communication breakdown is where thing fall apart," said Aaron Tyerman, medical services operator.
First responders say it's improved but not perfect. Until police secure a safe zone, medics can't treat victims.
"I thought maybe the safe area wasn't quite safe when we first started to bring fire into the parking lot, because of so many second-story windows, we'll talk about that," said Sam Shirley, Tahoma school resource officer.
Lessons learned today are ones they hope they'll never have to use.
The scene was a part a school drill that aims to prepare students and staff members for the worst case scenario.
The lockdown drill had all the trimmings of a frightening school shooting -- doors chained shut, a shooter on the loose.
The phony gunman fired into hallways as teachers followed protocol by locking doors, closing blinds, gathering kids in corners and emailing head counts.
"When police get here, they need to know who's missing and who's accounted for, and that's a big task in a school this size," said principal Rob Morrow.
Police and SWAT team members stormed the school. Half a dozen agencies treated this mockdown like the real deal, using the practice to hone their tactics. After observing, dispatchers figured how to better field calls from frantic parents while tackling other 911 emergencies.
"We have calls receivers assigned - this is just my idea - to field just parent calls," said Debi Nelson, communications center supervisor.
Even after six years of drills, she watched a wounded teacher dial 911 during the drill on Wednesday,Nelson had never thought to ask: "Is your door locked? How are we going to get to them? Need to let deputies and aids know have an injured person in the classroom, but the doors locked."
Communication between agencies is crucial.
"If you go back historically and look at any shooter that's been in a school or mall, the communication breakdown is where thing fall apart," said Aaron Tyerman, medical services operator.
First responders say it's improved but not perfect. Until police secure a safe zone, medics can't treat victims.
"I thought maybe the safe area wasn't quite safe when we first started to bring fire into the parking lot, because of so many second-story windows, we'll talk about that," said Sam Shirley, Tahoma school resource officer.
Lessons learned today are ones they hope they'll never have to use.
Drill baby, drill!
Â
Hate me. Somebody had to do it....
I cannot say how amazing it is to see a school cooperate with law enforcement in such a way. This is cool on so many levels.  There is only one enhancement I can think of, and that would have been to allow teachers to CC, and when neccessary, return fire at the shooter. Ravensdale, You Rock!!!
I think it is a good thing to practice:but I also think it is a sad sing of the times we live in.
When I was a kid we only practiced for nukes. LOL
 @BocaBob That is exactly where my mind went as well.
As a staff member, I am glad we do it. I have not seen evidence of students being overly concerned by this, and most think it is boring if nothing happens in their wing or they have tales to tell if they were in a part of the building involved in the scenario. I think it is important to discuss protocol and safety with our young-adult students. All students and families are notified well in advance, and some students do stay home, but most participate and learn. As an adult responsible for my students, it is stressful, but worthwhile.  Â
@jbbpb As a member of the community, let me say that staff like you, who embrace the reality, and prepare accordingly, are exceedingly rare and a valuable asset to your community. If ever I had to move again, Ravensdale is now on my YES list.  I hope the news coverage this got is garnering you the POSITIVE respect and recognition you deserve. Â
The students and parents are all notified well in advance. If you don't want to participate, you know what day not to be there, and you opt out. For the most part, the drill is for the responders and staff...my daughter has been part of the lockdown for two years now, and says there is no stress on the students at all.
Duck, and cover.
Create fear, keep them all very afraid...
@HawkEye No. Not create fear. Make them aware of the real way the world works, and prepare them to react in a way that saves their lives.  Teach children that only they are ultimately responsible for their own safety, and in a time of danger, Thoughtful Action saves lives.
In my opinion, this kind of training should be done without students present. It causes stress on the students, and if a student has some plan to shoot up his school, it gives him insight as how protocol plays out. Its like scaring the majority, for safety from the very small minority, who may be the planners of some crime, who are benifiting from the drill. Typical big government thinking. Go ahead and have the police, and staff plan, and run drills, but without students being involved....Would a bank run robbery drills with potential robbers helping?
 @kingkurtis It does help the drama students get more experience. Most schools don't do programs when you are injured or dead. Its nice to have a change. It also was very realistic, and it was quite scary at some points. I think the students should be involved, it helps them prepare for things like that to happen. Its just like having a fire drill right? Its fun for most students too. I would know because I was one of those drama students. I do respect your opinion and agree with you for the most part.
hmmm. I'm not sure this is a good idea.
@Alikelystorey why not?