(KAIR)--Jefferson County officials conducted an active shooter drill at McLouth Elementary School Tuesday, alarming residents who did not know it was just practice.
Those listening to police scanners heard what appeared to be a real, ongoing active shooting scenario at the school and quickly spread the word on social media sites. Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Mike Baxter says radio traffic is part of the drill because it would be part of a real situation, and like everything else, must be practiced.
Baxter says there was plenty of warning given in advance that the drill would take place. The school outreach program sent messages to everyone that has signed up to receive their messages. He also says that “the school district has been talking to the parents for the past few weeks, in reference that this was going to be going on”.
Baxter says the drill is thorough, with the county bringing in all resources to test them in a realistic threat situation. Over 26 different participants took part in the test, acting in various roles such as patients, teachers, and other school staff members.
Baxter says the drill had been in the planning stages for the past several months. He adds they are only conducted when the school has a day off, and students are not present.
The students are currently on spring break.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Holton property search concludes with arrest