On April 19, 2010, a simulation fire drill was held at Farmington Elementary. This drill was done in conjunction with the Boltonville Fire Department, Fillmore Fire Department, Johnson Bus Company, Kewaskum EMS, Town of Boltonville, Town of Farmington, and Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

 

Prior to the drill being held, several planning meetings were held.  Agencies involved in the mock emergency drill held last year at Kewaskum Elementary were invited to give their feedback on what they had learned when they implemented their drill. This along with several discussions about plans that were currently in place helped to eliminate conflicting procedures. 

 

On the day of the drill, artificial smoke was released in a pre-determined location. Alarms were pulled, 911 was called, and everyone inside evacuated the building. All agencies responded as if it were a real emergency. 

 

Once outside, staff successfully determined who was missing and the last location for each person. This was reported to the site manager. Shortly after, busses and the fire departments responded with sirens and emergency lights. Staff, students, and volunteers were loaded on the busses and taken to the Farmington Town Hall where District personnel from the main office in town were waiting to help. 

 

Washington County Sheriff’s Department controlled intersections in the affected areas. They only allowed authorized personnel or parents to enter the locations. Parents that were assigned to pick-up their children arrived shortly after and District personnel implemented their procedures for parent pick-up. Back at the school, EMS and the fire departments implemented their fire and rescue procedures.

 

When the fire departments concluded their procedures and clean-up, the site manager contacted the teacher in charge at the Farmington Town Hall and everyone returned to the school. Students were well behaved during the hour-and-a-half drill. 

 

This simulation drill was a great learning experience for everyone involved. The cooperation between all of the agencies, parents, and the school made this event useful and effective. Thank you to all who contributed input, participated in the drill, prepared their children, and provided coverage for this emergency drill.