by Nick Norris
The University of Montevallo Police Department held a soft campus lockdown on November 6th to test its security and emergency systems.
This drill gave the police department an opportunity to test and assess its emergency response and notification procedures, so that it can be best prepared in the event of a real emergency.
During the drill, a soft lock down was placed over campus to simulate an emergency. A select number of buildings were instructed to halt normal activities and follow lockdown protocols.
Tests like these are designed to make students and faculty aware of emergency protocols and help first responders become more comfortable with their roles.
Campus also used this opportunity to test its U-M Alert System, and all notifications related to the drill were clearly identified as tests.
“These tests are going to help us better assess our emergency protocols,” said police chief Tim Alexander. “I understand some of our cellular notifications were not always received immediately in the past. Tests like these help fix problems like that.”
Chief Alexander plans to institute more emergency tests like this one in the future, hoping it will help simulate real emergencies.
More information on the lockdown can be found on the university’s website.
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