MANCHESTER, NH — These are troubling times, and as much as we want to believe it will never be necessary here, being prepared for disaster is the best prevention for the kinds of unspeakable tragedies that we’ve seen happen in public places all around the country.
On Nov. 28 the city is planning an “Active Threat Full-Scale Operation” at the SNHU Arena on Elm Street. The multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional drill will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Volunteers from the community are needed to participate, starting at 7:30 a.m.
Such drills help not only in raising community awareness, but also in making sure first-responders are prepared for any public emergency situation based on hands-on experience.
⇒ REGISTER HERE to be a volunteer for Wednesday’s training.
What to know
As a volunteer, you will play a critical role in the realism of the exercise. You may serve the role of an evacuating patron, hysterical witness or gunshot victim — all of which will challenge Manchester’s first-responders and test their capabilities.
This exercise will involve a realistic high stress environment with loud noises, simulated gunfire, law enforcement activity and emergency medical services.
Prior to exercise start, volunteers will be made-up as victims and strategically placed throughout the Arena.
Arrival Location: Arena main entrance.
Parking: Garage and street parking. There is ample parking on Willow and Elm Streets South of Auburn.
Exercise Start Time: 9:30 am.
Exercise End Time: Approximately 2:30 pm.
Attire: Old clothes that can get ruined – pants, long sleeve shirt, sneakers. Some exercise play may occur outside so dress according to the weather.
Eye Protection: If you have a preferred pair of safety glasses, please bring with you. Otherwise, eye protection will be provided.
Waiver: All volunteers over the age of 18 must sign a participant waiver. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a participant waiver signed by a legal guardian.
