Q: Students have shared that the last fire alarm of 2023-24 seemed unorganized because it happened during a passing period. Does the security team have a more organized plan for when an alarm goes off during an odd time?
A: Students should remember that during a fire drill, they should evacuate the building and go to the nearest field to check in. It will seem chaotic, but we need to evacuate all people from the building and then account for them. Unfortunately, alarms for actual events are not predictable. As for other emergency responses, such as Shelter In Place and Lockdown, students should immediately go to the nearest office or classroom and secure themselves until further notice. Securing includes barricading doors with furniture in the rooms. Staff and students can also exit the building if that is the quickest way to safety.
Q: What are some BTS practices that the security team does?
A: Not everybody is aware of the amount of movement within the building and around the surrounding grounds. People are not aware of the everyday interactions with staff, students, visitors, and others that come on to the grounds that happen all in the eyes of safety for all.
Q: What is the greatest challenge that you have had to overcome in your career at ELHS?
A: Convincing people that safety and security is not a “when you need it” but should be practiced throughout our lives. Don’t let fear rule your life, but be better prepared for when something happens, because they can happen anywhere and anytime.
Q: How does the security team come up with plans for evacuations/lockdowns?
Safety and security is ever-evolving. The security team has gone from greeters at buildings allowing people in and out of the building to a secure campus mindset. Ideally, we can keep issues further away from the buildings giving those inside more time to react. We, as a team, look at issues and events that happen and adjust response plans accordingly. We attend trainings and seminars on safety and security and incorporate items and ideas as best as possible.
Q: Is there anything that you would like the students to know about the security at ELHS?
A: Security is about the students. We on the security team do not overlook that everything we do and what our primary role is revolves around keeping everyone safe. We will be stepping up when others are frightened. Our staff has proven themselves in previous careers in law enforcement, corrections, and now military police as knowing what it takes to keep others safe and have managed difficult situations previously.
Q: What is your favorite part of working at ELHS?
A: Working and interacting with the students.
