In an effort to further enhance the preparedness of MIT’s first responders, MIT Emergency Management and MIT Police will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Kresge Auditorium (Building W16). Due to the realistic nature of the police training drill, which will include simulated gunfire, the entire building, the Kresge Oval, the Kresge BBQ pits, and the Kresge parking lot will be closed to the public from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that day.
An email about the emergency exercise was sent today to the MIT community by Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety John DiFava.
DiFava explained that the exercise is in keeping with best practices in higher education emergency management, and is designed to allow first responders both internal and external to MIT to practice their response efforts in a realistic, yet controlled, environment. In addition, this exercise provides the Institute with the opportunity to evaluate its emergency protocols and to ensure a coordinated, timely, and effective response in the event of a real threat to the campus.
To ensure that the MIT community is aware of the exercise, the exercise area will be fenced off, ample signage will be posted, and MIT Police officers will be stationed at entrances to ensure that only authorized and screened participants are allowed inside. The exercise has been scheduled between semesters, during Independent Activities Period (IAP), to minimize disruption to campus operations.
In conjunction with the exercise, a campus-wide test of the MIT Alert system will be conducted. This test will be used to evaluate and review the various procedures, responsibilities, and connections of the system. The text message and email alerts will state “This is a test of the MIT Alert system,” and will allow the community to provide feedback about MIT Alert.
“We want to acknowledge the nature of this exercise and the impact it could have on community members who have witnessed or been involved in traumatic incidents in the past,” DiFava wrote, adding that anyone who needs support is encouraged to access these resources:
- Student Mental Health and Counseling Services at 617-253-2916
- Student Support Services at 617-253-4861
- GradSupport at 617-253-4860
- For employees: MIT MyLife Services at 844-405-LIFE (844-405-5433) or (TTY) 866-892-7162
Questions or concerns about the exercise can be addressed to MIT Emergency Management at em-staff@mit.edu or 617-452-4368.
