On Tuesday November 7, 2023, the SCCSD will be conducting an active shooter exercise. The district has been working with the Cattaraugus County Emergency Services team for the past 15 months preparing for this exercise. This is a multi-agency exercise where the school has partnered with several agencies including Zero Eyes Weapons System, 1st Response Armed Security, Cattaraugus County Emergency Services, Cattaraugus County Sheriffs Dept., Cattaraugus County Bomb Squad, Cattaraugus County SRT (Special Response Team/SWAT), Salamanca Fire Dept., Salamanca Police Dept, Seneca Nation Emergency Services, Seneca Nation Ambulance, Seneca Nation Marshalls, and the State Police.
What to expect around Campus:
- You will see several first responder vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances.
- There will be streets and intersections around the school blocked off.
- You may hear simulated gun shots or explosions.
- The Catt. County Command Center will be set up in the school parking lot.
There are several objectives for this drill:
- We will be testing different systems in the school, such as the PA system and lockdown notification systems to make sure they are working properly, and the correct agencies are notified.
- We will make sure our school safety plans are effective.
- This is a terrific opportunity to partner with our local first responders.
- The first responders will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a real-life situation.
- The school administration will have the opportunity to work with emergency services in setting up an incident command and making real-time decisions as the exercise is evolving and taking place.
- The school safety team will practice being part of a rescue task force in a lockdown environment.
- The teachers and staff will practice lockdown protocols in a real-life situation.
- The police will practice their protocols responding to an active shooter event.
- The first responders will be practicing everything from setting up an incident command right down to treating, triaging, and moving injured bodies.
There will not be any students on campus during the drill. The staff and teachers will be playing the roles of students, staff, and administration. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Ray Haley: rhaley@salamancany.org or call me at 716.244.7299.