BILLINGS — Both the Billings Public Schools and Billings Police Department conducted separate safety trainings at West High on Wednesday, focusing on enhancing safety measures within schools.
During the district’s reunification drill, students were prepared to be transported by bus to a secondary location in the event of an emergency, where parents would then receive instructions on how to pick them up.
Joe Halligan, the school safety and emergency management coordinator, emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating that hope is not a strategy when it comes to safety measures.
A notification system called “ParentSquare” would alert parents about the evacuation process and the location to collect their children from, ensuring a smooth reunification process.
The ultimate goal of reunification is to swiftly clear an area in case of a crime and ensure the safety of the students during an emergency situation.
Parent volunteers, like Jamie Westfall, found reassurance in the school’s safety protocols and appreciated the opportunity to practice reunification procedures.
Students, such as Cooper and Gus Westfall, also felt safer and more knowledgeable after participating in the drill.
While the school conducted its safety drill, the police department engaged in a rescue task force training to simulate live emergencies and improve their response protocols.
Sgt. Jeff Stovall highlighted the importance of training and collaboration between the police department and the school district to ensure preparedness in case of an active shooter situation.
Stovall advised the community not to be alarmed by increased police presence during training exercises, as it is essential for providing realistic and effective training for officers.
Overall, these efforts aim to keep the school and community safe and prepared for any potential incidents, with an emphasis on transparent communication and accessible resources.
