SAU 16 conducts preparedness drill

EXETER — Exeter High School, along with district faculty and staff, conducted a reunification drill this past week as part of the SAU's emergency response plan, according to Student Administrative Unit 16 Superintendent Michael Morgan.

School officials participated in the exercise on May 17. The plan outlines, that in the event of an emergency that requires the evacuation of any SAU 16 school, Exeter High School would act as the reunification center for students and staff. Once at the school, students will be rejoined with their parents.

Should Exeter High School need to be evacuated, reunification will take place at the Cooperative Middle School. SAU 16 will shortly conduct the same reunification drill at CMS.

"SAU 16 is constantly working to make sure the school environment is as safe as possible for all students, faculty and staff," Superintendent Morgan said. "Our reunification plan serves as an important part of our emergency response protocol, as it designates one spot for students and parents to reconnect in the event of an evacuation."

Planning for the reunification process has been ongoing over the last several months. The drill provided the perfect opportunity for staff to practice the procedure and for officials to evaluate its effectiveness. As part of the emergency response plan, Exeter High School faculty is assigned different positions and responsibilities to ensure the process runs smoothly.

The drill confirmed the strong aspects of the plan and highlighted areas for improvement while giving faculty the chance to use the equipment and forms required during an actual emergency. The next phase of the process will be to debrief those involved and make the necessary adjustments to the plan.

"We were extremely pleased that the drill accomplished everything we hoped it would," said Assistant Superintendent Esther Asbell, who acted as the reunification commander. "Exeter High School staff were prepared for the exercise and did a great job in their roles."