On a typical day at Henry Defer Intermediate School in Streetsboro, OH, students, and staff go about their day-to-day routines without thinking much about safety drills.
However, on Thursday this week, a safety drill was carried out that tested the readiness of the school’s emergency response plan. And the results were impressive.
The drill involved two grade levels and their teachers, who were instructed to evacuate the building based on a simulated threat inside the building at the end of the day.
After attendance was taken outside, the students were dismissed to their buses or parents waiting in the car rider line.
The drill was conducted with the help of several departments and buildings, including the Streetsboro Police Department, Streetsboro Schools Operations Department, Henry Defer Intermediate School, and Streetsboro Schools Transportation Department.
Despite the sudden and unexpected nature of the drill, the staff and students at Henry Defer Intermediate School did an amazing job staying organized, polite, and professional.
Building principal Michelle Kravetz was able to direct her team with expertise during the drill and communicated effectively with her building resources, school personnel, and the police department.
Bus drivers were also part of the drill, successfully loading students and running transportation operations.
This demonstrates that the school staff and the transportation department are well-prepared and trained to handle emergencies.
The drill’s success can be attributed to the regular schedule of fire drills, evacuation drills, and other safety drills the district conducts throughout the year.
These drills help the staff and students stay familiar with the emergency response plan, which leads to a faster and more efficient response in the event of a real emergency.
The importance of regular safety drills cannot be overstated. They are an essential component of any school’s emergency preparedness plan, and they help to ensure the safety of everyone in the building.
At Henry Defer Intermediate School, the success of the recent safety drill is a testament to the school’s commitment to the safety of its staff and students.