City schools planning random emergency drills

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle School District is taking extra precautions to put the safety of its students first should a disaster or life-threatening emergency occur on one or more of its campuses.
Beginning March 1 and continuing through May, unannounced emergency evacuations will be taking place at all five schools as a means of promoting preparedness, according to Jerry Reeves, director of school operations and student services. The timing is in keeping with what is described as the tornado season in North Alabama and a growing concern about recurring acts of violence against students and faculty members.
Reeves said both Hartselle policemen and firefighters and their rapid response vehicles would be involved in the evacuation exercises. However, he said they would not respond to mock school alarms with sirens blaring and lights flashing as they would in the event of a real emergency.