The Atlantic Police Department reports the A-PD, in conjunction with the Atlantic Fire Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Emergency Management Agency, Atlantic Medivac, and the Iowa State Patrol, will be conducting an “Active Intruder” drill next Friday, Nov. 4th, at the Atlantic High School.Officials stress that “There are currently no known threats of violence to any schools or facilities within the area. This is strictly A DRILL.

The drill will begin shortly after 10-a.m., and will include and “ALERT” from the principal’s office, notifying everyone in the building of the “Danger Zone.” Those area affected in the “Danger Zone,” will be practicing “Lockdown/Barricade,” and discussing alternate exits from the classroom.

The principal will continue to “Inform” everyone of any changes to the “Danger Zone.” “Counter,” which was taught in previous lessons, will not be practiced in the first drill. Classrooms not in the “Danger Zone,” will practice the preferred response, “Evacuation.”

To ensure participant safety, certain intersections and roads surrounding the Atlantic High School, specifically the area of E. 14th Street, will be temporarily blocked-off and inaccessible. The closures include: Eastbound traffic on 14th Street from Olive Street; 14th and Roosevelt Streets; 14th and Lincoln Streets; 14th and Mulberry; 14th and Cherry; 14th and Plum, and westbound traffic on 14th Street from Redwood Drive.

If you have any questions about the Nov. 4th “Active Intruder” Drill at the Atlantic High School, contact High School Principal Heather McKay, Asst. Principal Matt Alexander, or Atlantic Police Lt. Dave Erickson.