2012-2013
News Release
REF NO.: 115
SUBJECT: Memorial University to test its emergency preparedness with full-scale exercise
DATE: May 7, 2013
On Monday, May 13, Memorial University will host a full-scale emergency exercise on the St. John’s campus in partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), Eastern Health, St. John’s Regional Fire Department, Salvation Army and Canadian Red Cross.
The exercise is a test of Memorial’s Emergency Management Plan, which will help the university practise for a potential emergency. It is entirely simulated and for training purposes only. The full-day event will involve several buildings on campus and will include simulated casualties and emergency responses.
“As a public institution, it is critical that we prepare for any and all potential threats to the safety of individuals on our campuses,” said Kent Decker, vice-president (administration and finance) and director of emergency operations for the exercise. “This event gives us the opportunity to determine the level of co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration required between Memorial University and its external community partners, and to test internal groups that could potentially be involved in a major emergency response.”
This week, Memorial is working to ensure the university community and the public who may be on or near the St. John’s campus on May 13 are aware that the exercise is happening and that it will be a simulation only; there is no need to be alarmed.
“The RNC recognizes the benefits of enhancing the skills of our members and specialized units while training with emergency response partners and stakeholders,” said Sergeant. H. Hall, the RNC emergency management planning co-ordinator. “The RNC is pleased to assist in the planning of and to participate in the May 13 mock exercise at Memorial University.”
The exercise is part of a three-year testing cycle that includes a tabletop exercise, which was last conducted in 2012. The exercise takes the university through the steps to emergency response with no actual execution. The university will continue to test its ability to respond as part of its ongoing emergency preparedness process.
REF NO.: 115
SUBJECT: Memorial University to test its emergency preparedness with full-scale exercise
DATE: May 7, 2013
On Monday, May 13, Memorial University will host a full-scale emergency exercise on the St. John’s campus in partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), Eastern Health, St. John’s Regional Fire Department, Salvation Army and Canadian Red Cross.
The exercise is a test of Memorial’s Emergency Management Plan, which will help the university practise for a potential emergency. It is entirely simulated and for training purposes only. The full-day event will involve several buildings on campus and will include simulated casualties and emergency responses.
“As a public institution, it is critical that we prepare for any and all potential threats to the safety of individuals on our campuses,” said Kent Decker, vice-president (administration and finance) and director of emergency operations for the exercise. “This event gives us the opportunity to determine the level of co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration required between Memorial University and its external community partners, and to test internal groups that could potentially be involved in a major emergency response.”
This week, Memorial is working to ensure the university community and the public who may be on or near the St. John’s campus on May 13 are aware that the exercise is happening and that it will be a simulation only; there is no need to be alarmed.
“The RNC recognizes the benefits of enhancing the skills of our members and specialized units while training with emergency response partners and stakeholders,” said Sergeant. H. Hall, the RNC emergency management planning co-ordinator. “The RNC is pleased to assist in the planning of and to participate in the May 13 mock exercise at Memorial University.”
The exercise is part of a three-year testing cycle that includes a tabletop exercise, which was last conducted in 2012. The exercise takes the university through the steps to emergency response with no actual execution. The university will continue to test its ability to respond as part of its ongoing emergency preparedness process.
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