School Safety Drills

Have you noticed that the amount of safety drills increased over the years? It isn’t just your basic fire drill anymore. Schools in several states have vastly increased the types of emergency drills partake in yearly.

School safety drills became more frequently enforced after the 1999 school shooting of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. After the attacks on the twin towers on September 11, 2001 schools have also begun to enforce lockdown drills. Now after the most recent Newtown, Connecticut elementary school shooting this  past December, schools are taking these drills more serious than ever.

Already this year SJV has practiced many lockdown  and fire drills.  According to the Vice Principal, Mr. Niesz, SJV is required to do one fire drill a month,  two bus evacuation drills a year, and one lockdown/bomb threat/or evacuation drill per month according to the laws of New Jersey.  Mr. Niesz explained that each classroom is equipped with a “go bag” which is a bright orange bag. All teachers have CPR training and emergency drill training. Also SJV is in “good contact with the police department,” says Niesz.  It’s a very reassuring feeling knowing that SJV is a very safe school, and staff/administration have the necessary knowledge of what to do in emergency situations. It’s always important to be prepared!