Disaster Drill Preps District for Large Scale Emergency

Fire trucks, ambulances and first responders filled the parking lot at Ward Melville High School Sunday morning as a large-scale emergency drill unfolded involving simulated smoke and student victims.

The drill was the first of its kind for the district and was called an invaluable training tool by Ward Melville’s Assistant Principal, Mike Owen.

“We learned so much from doing a full scale exercise. It was the closest thing to the real thing you can get,” said Owen.

The details of the emergency would be was not shared with the participants until the start of the drill. The scenario was that a fire had broke out in the downstairs utility close near the pool area with multiple levels of casualties throughout the campus.

During the drill, simulated smoke, made of water vapor filled the entire downstairs pool area, providing almost no visibility. Fire fighters in full gear filled the stairway to the lower level. Student victims were brought to the gym and other lay in the grass outside of the school.

Several agencies were involved in the practice drill including Suffolk Emergency Services, a county command van and four area fire departments. Charged water lines were run and communications were tested between the fire department and school officials.

Sue Meyers a former fire commissioner and member of the Setuaket Fire Department was one of the observers who will provide feedback on what was done well and areas where improvements could be made.

“We will debrief everyone afterwards and point out the good and the not so good,” said Meyers who was stationed in the pool area. 

Owen said the drill provided good feedback and he would be interested in doing something like it again.

“I think everyone was pleased. It was an invaluable training tool,” said Owen.