McMaster's level of emergency preparedness was put to the test this week when the
University, Hamilton Police, Hamilton Fire Services and EMS participated in an exercise
involving dozens of volunteers and personnel.

The drill involved a simulated shooting in Thode Library, on the west side of campus.
Volunteers played various roles including victims, while security, police, fire and EMS
officers responded in real-time. The exercise measured McMaster's crisis management
plan and tested the emergency response systems in place should such an incident
happen.

“Together, the University and its partners spend a great deal of time planning and
preparing for a variety of emergency situations,” said Roger Couldrey, McMaster's vice-
president administration. “These exercises allow us to test our ability to respond to a
crisis, while allowing our teams an opportunity to learn more about how to plan for an
unexpected event.”

The University's outdoor emergency warning sirens were sounded during the test. When

sounded, the sirens indicate the campus is in lockdown. During a lockdown, the campus
community should find shelter in the nearest room and close and lock entry doors. They
should remain quiet and act as if no one is in the room and remain there until
emergency responders provide the all-clear.

“We have had feedback from the community that the sirens were clearly audible,
especially for those who were outdoors at the time,” said Couldrey. “The sirens are an
important part of our notification network, which includes public address systems,
closed circuit screens, email notification and text messaging.”

Notices about the test were placed on The Daily News, Facebook and Twitter as well as
hand distributed and emailed to neighbourhood homes. Local media, including The
Spectator and CHML radio, also provided information about the test.