Appalachian to conduct full-scale emergency exercise May 16

Posted May 3, 2017 at 11:09 a.m.

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.

About the Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management (EHS&EM)

The Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management (EHS&EM) at Appalachian State University works in coordination with other university departments to support App State's commitment to campus safety. The office’s primary responsibility is environmental health, safety and emergency management functions across App State’s Boone and Hickory campuses. EHS&EM also coordinates App State’s on-campus emergency medical service (EMS) program, Mountaineer Medics, which provides emergency medical care and support to the App State Community. Learn more at https://ehsem.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.