Arlington Public Schools and Arlington County are scheduled to conduct a full-scale emergency response exercise on Friday, January 30. The drill will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carlin Springs Elementary School and Wakefield High School.
Officials clarified that the event is not an actual emergency but rather a planned simulation intended to review and improve the emergency response plans of both APS and Arlington County. According to the announcement, “This exercise is designed to evaluate and strengthen APS and Arlington County’s emergency response plans, communication protocols, and coordination efforts in a simulated school emergency.”
Community members may notice increased activity around Carlin Springs Elementary and Wakefield High during the exercise, including more emergency vehicles and personnel than usual. The timing of the event was selected because it falls on a grade preparation day when students do not attend classes. The Wakefield Aquatics Center could also be affected by the exercise; updates about any schedule changes will be posted on the Aquatics website.
The main goals of the drill include assessing how well APS’s Emergency Management Plan works, testing notification systems, evaluating cooperation between school officials and county first responders, as well as practicing student-family reunification procedures after emergencies.
“This exercise presents an important opportunity to enhance our ability to respond effectively to and recover from critical incidents. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we conduct this important exercise,” organizers stated.
