Emergency Drill Notification
January 14, 2013
Dear Members of the CMC Community:
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Jan. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff departments, in conjunction with the Claremont Police Department, will conduct a large-scale Active Shooter training exercise in and around the immediate vicinity of Garrison Performing Arts Center, located on the northeast corner of Dartmouth Avenue and 10th Street, on the Scripps College campus. The Claremont McKenna College campus will be affected by this practice drill, including noise from first-responder vehicles (police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and helicopters), street closures, and possible impacts to common facilities and parking, due to blocked parking around the drill site. In addition to those helicopters in-air for the active shooter drill, an additional two helicopters will land and take off, intermittently, from CMC’s Parents Field, in mock medical evacuations.
During this time, the College is asking those who normally park on the west side of campus to please use the Bauer East lot instead. It is also recommended that you avoid Ninth Street, due to the level of activity, noise, and road closures during those three days. Because of its proximity to the impact site, those with offices in Kravis Center will be particularly affected.
Over the course of this practice exercise, you will hear and see numerous emergency response vehicles driving toward Garrison, with lights and sirens. Sheriff Department helicopters will be flying overhead with SWAT sharpshooters, and SWAT personnel will use blank rounds to simulate firing their weapons. Pre-designated personnel, including some CMC search and rescue team members, will play the role of injured and deceased victims, and will be covered with fake blood, bandages, etc. In order to make the training drill as realistic as possible, you may also hear shouting and screaming.
It should also be noted that 10th Street, between Columbia and Dartmouth avenues, will be closed for the duration of this exercise. “No Parking” signs will be posted to identify the restricted parking zones.
Please do not be alarmed when these activities commence, and please note that no action is required on your part. This is only a training exercise.
We are certain that you understand the significance of this timely exercise and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely, The CMC Emergency Management Team