School districts across the region are responding to the shooting tragedy in a Connecticut Elementary school with assurances that emergency preparations are in place and up to date.
Northport-East Northport School District Security Supervisor Nolan Briggs said that, in addition to regular school security measures, the district has plans in place in the case of an interior threat such as the one presented in Connecticut Friday. The procedures were put in place after the Columbine shootings in accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Act.
"Every year we update our school emergency plans on every building and on a district-wide level. That information is provided to the local police and fire departments so they understand what our procedures are in the case of an emergency," said Briggs.
As part of a regular security procedures, all doors to the school are locked during school hours and visitors are required to sign in and state their purpose for visiting. Security measures are more stringent in elementary school buildings which employ greeters at the door and prohibit outsiders on the grounds during school hours.
The schools also run drills in preparation for emergencies so that students, teachers, staff, and security personnel are aware of their roles in such a case.
"We're doing everything we can to keep our students, staff, and visitors safe within and outside our buildings," said Briggs.
