Altus Public Schools Announces Emergency Response Training Exercise

ALTUS, OKLA. Altus Public Schools is making our school community aware of an emergency response training exercise scheduled for Thursday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Washington Elementary School, located at 311 E. Cypress St. in Altus.

Multiple local emergency response agencies, including Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Altus Police Department, Altus Air Force Base Security Forces, and other surrounding agencies, will participate in an active shooter response practical exercise at the facility.

As part of the training, participants will use Air Soft equipment. No live ammunition will be used during the exercise.

Community members in the area may notice an increased presence of emergency response vehicles and personnel throughout the day. Flashing emergency lights and loud noises may also be seen or heard near the training site. These activities are part of the planned exercise and should not be cause for alarm.

The exercise will not disrupt the school day at any Altus Public Schools campus. The former Washington Elementary facility is no longer an active school site, and students will not be involved in the exercise. 

Due to the increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in the area, students and families who normally drive or walk near the former Washington Elementary campus may wish to use an alternate route to and from school on Thursday.

Student safety remains a top priority for Altus Public Schools. Training opportunities such as this allow emergency response agencies to practice coordination and response procedures in a controlled environment while helping strengthen preparedness throughout the Altus community.

Altus Public Schools appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation while emergency personnel conduct this important training.

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