Chinook Volunteer Fire Department surprises Meadowlark, High School with emergency drills
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The Chinook Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) conducted a very realistic Fire Drill last Wednesday at both the Meadowlark Elementary and Chinook High Schools. Those aware of the drills were limited to elementary principle Jonathan Martin, high school principle Matt Molyneaux and Chinook schools and Superintendent Darrin Hannum.
The first drill occurred in the morning at the Meadowlark school. The CVFD set up a smoke machine in the cafeteria and began to fill the school with simulated smoke. The air remained breathable throughout the exercise and the simulated smoke posed no harm to students or staff.
The fire alarm was pulled and students began the evacuation process. First grade students experienced the most difficulty as they had to drop to their knees and crawl through the thick smoke to safety.
Part of the drill simulations included victims. In the past, simulations were centered on students but these drills added a staff member to the exercise.
Overall both schools performed well and CVFD Chief Kraig Hansen was pleased with how the drills went, "I thought the surprise drills at both schools went really well. We have done this drill in the past and we have held back a couple of students just to see how long it would take, for them to notice. This year we did this again but also for the first time held a staff member back. The schools have always immediately accounted for the missing kids but never took in account the possibility of a staff member not getting out."
At the Meadowlark the student victims were first graders Brennan Roselip and Rylee Chaffin. Cindy BeBee was the staff member in trouble.
Meadowlark principle Jonathan Martin also was pleased with drills outcome, "The fire department kept two students and a staff members aside to practice what it would be like if a real fire had took place. The fire department was immediately notified of the missing staff and students, and quickly simulated a rescue. The drill was a great success for teaching staff and students what a real fire situation would be like."
The CVFD conducted the drill just after the lunch break at the high school and experienced similar results.
Victims were seniors Hattie Niederegger and Kenny Pruttis. Teacher Rick Linquist played the staff victim. All three were quickly located by fire personnel and brought to safety.
In this exercise the smoke dispenser was placed on the top floor in the middle of the east-west hallway.
"I thought the unannounced fire drills on Thursday, October 8 went very well. An assessment of drill procedures allowed us to tighten up some features of our system as well as giving insights on some new ideas to improve our procedures. I would like to thank the fire department for their work and a terrific experience for our students and staff," stated high school principle Matt Molyneaux.
While things were not perfect, and highlighted areas that everyone could improve on Superintendent Hannum was positive about the drills benefits, "I thought the unannounced fire drills on Thursday, October 8 went very well. An assessment of drill procedures allowed us to tighten up some features of our system as well as giving insights on some new ideas to improve our procedures. I am grateful to the fire department for their work and providing a terrific experience for our students and staff."
