We had discussion relative to cell phone use during emergencies. If I recall, local LE recommended to attempt to minimize call volume so as to ensure emergency services had good cell service.
Now, I don't know too much about all this, how many phone calls/texts does it take to overwhelm say, the Verizon network, in a given area. Our High School and Middle School comprised near 2,000 students. If half of them began texting back and forth, would that affect the network(s), slowing down or preventing service?
Another extremely serious concern was call sounds alerting a potential intruder, phones ringing, message notifications, etc. This issue trumped all others in terms of training for armed intruder in the building. Indeed, it was thought to be potentially deadly.
I had the honor of being a sweeper. This term was used for teams of men trained to go throughout the building in armed intruder drills, "sweeping" the entire building for students caught in compromising areas, not able to be behind a locked classroom door. Those in the bathroom, hallway, gym, auditorium, etc.
The greatest challenge was going in to lockdown during lunch, when 300 students were in the cafeteria, and the drill went down.
To shed a bit more light on the training, my good friend was charged with being the contact, in a secure area, with radio. We even had contingency plans in the event his was killed, so as to provide for continued communication.
Lastly, local LE trained extensively, in the building(s), and we trained with them. Consider this, how were they to know, when they entered the building, who WE are, and not mistake US for the intruder? Serious questions, and serious training. Brutal.
I'll never change my opinion on prevention of arms entering a public school building, whatever the cost to do so. Never.
To ensure that your telephone call gets through to family, friends and loved-ones during an emergency or disaster, here are things to consider:
www.fcc.gov
www.nbcnews.com
www.cbsnews.com
