Last Updated on May 9, 2017 7:36 pm
BOONE, N.C.—Appalachian State University will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise in and around the Plemmons Student Union from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 16. The exercise will simulate an active shooter on campus, and is designed to test response and communication during an emergency.
The university’s emergency website – http://appstatealert.com – will post updates about the training exercise. While campus and local communities should be aware this is only a test, citizens who witness anything that raises suspicion or concern about their immediate safety should call 9-1-1.
Traffic near campus may be limited at times during the exercise, and one or more buildings may be involved in the exercise. Area residents and drivers will likely see law enforcement and emergency response vehicles and personnel along King, Hardin and Rivers Streets and in and around the Plemmons Student Union.
The training exercise will involve more than 100 participants, including those from University Police, Boone Fire Department, Watauga Emergency Medical Services, Watauga County Rescue Squad, Watauga Medical Center and local law enforcement agencies.
Participants will wear either a colored vest or arm band.
This is the fifth full-scale emergency exercise conducted at Appalachian. Prior training exercises simulated a shooter/hostage situation, explosive device scenario, a flood that affected campus operations and a chemical explosion.
The exercise is coordinated by Appalachian’s Department of Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management (EHS&EM).
For questions about the exercise, prior to, during or afterward, call University Police at 828-262-2150.
