In response to the school emergency in Florida, children have been concerned that if a fire alarm is activated in their school, they fear the possibility of there being an active shooter on the premise using the alarm as a decoy.
On Feb. 19, Jackson Fire responded to a reported fire alarm at the school, which was reported to have been activated by construction work in progress. In at least one case, a student reportedly called their parent when the school fire alarm was activated, fearful to exit the classroom.
In light of this, Jackson Fire and Cicero Fire will be meeting with the children of the Hamilton Heights Primary and Elementary Schools at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively, today, Feb. 23, to answer questions from the children in an attempt to reduce fear and anxiety. Firefighters will also perform a fire drill at each school, however, the children will be aware the drill is being performed and firefighters will walk them through the drill.
Firefighters are also planning future cooperative training involving multiple public safety agencies to coordinate responses to school emergencies.