In preparation for an important emergency operations drill focused on an active shooter scenario, MiraCosta College will be conducting a critical training exercise on Friday, September 20, 2024. These drills play a key role in ensuring the safety of our campus community by strengthening our emergency response procedures in collaboration with local law enforcement. We understand that such exercises can have an impact on our students, employees, and neighbors, and appreciate your cooperation as we carry out this vital preparedness effort. More information below.
President's Update:
As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, employees, and visitors, we are conducting a critical emergency operations drill on Friday, September 20, 2024, focused on an active shooter scenario. Regular drills like this are essential to our emergency preparedness efforts, allowing us to continuously improve our readiness and response capabilities in collaboration with external law enforcement agencies. The College Police recognize that such exercises can impact our students, employees, and the surrounding community, and we appreciate your understanding and support as we undertake this vital preparedness activity.
Key Details:
Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Community Learning Center (CLC)
(Note: Other MiraCosta College sites will not be involved in this specific drill.)
This live field exercise will simulate an active shooter event and responses from various emergency services. West Coast Consulting Group, Inc., a college emergency training firm, coordinates the drill.
What the Simulation Will Entail:
The exercise will simulate an active shooter scenario, allowing us to evaluate and strengthen our emergency response strategies. Please be aware that this simulation will involve both audible and visual elements, such as simulated ammunition sounds, police sirens, and the visible presence of emergency vehicles and personnel. While these elements are critical to the realism of the drill, we understand they may cause concern for those nearby. The purpose is to replicate a real-world situation as closely as possible to ensure preparedness.
Participants responsible for leading emergency operations will engage in guided discussions and decision-making processes reflecting real-time challenges associated with this event. Key components will include:
• Incident Command Structure (ICS): Implementing and practicing ICS protocols.
• Scenario Development: Working through the evolving stages of an active shooter situation and real-time decision-making.
• Response Coordination: Ensuring effective communication and collaboration between participants and external agencies.
• After-Action Review: Conducting a thorough assessment to identify strengths and areas for improvement in our emergency response procedures.
Impact on Employees:
Participation in the drill is optional for employees.
We also understand that this simulation may impact your regular work schedule. If participation requires any adjustments to your workday, please discuss the necessary changes with your supervisor in advance. We want to ensure everyone can participate while minimizing disruptions to their daily responsibilities.
Even if you are not directly involved in the drill, your role in emergency preparedness is crucial. Please take a moment to review our emergency preparation resources and ensure you are familiar with the steps you can take in the event of any emergency.
Remember, Best Practices:
• Review and update your personal emergency plan to prepare you and your loved ones for events like wildfire or earthquake.
• Review all of the District’s emergency protocols on the College Police webpage, and please download the entire set of protocols to your phone so you have access at any time. You can do this by clicking on the “Emergency Response App.” on the right side of the page and either bookmarking the link or forwarding it to your phone’s notes. • Review the “Run, Hide, Fight,” brief training video that provides important safety and response tips in the unlikely event that an active shooter scenario occurs. • Ensure phone trees and contact lists for those you work with or supervise are up-to-date and include every person on your team.
• If you are an area lead, supervisor, or manager and happen to be off-site (off campus or on approved leave), please designate and communicate broadly who your team is to contact in case of questions or concerns related to operations and emergencies.
