It’ll Look Serious But It’s Only An Exercise in Yakima

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima Valley Emergency Management, and area public safety agencies will be conducting a full-scale armed intruder exercise on the campus of Pacific Northwest University on April 8, from 7:45 am to 12:00 pm.

DON'T PANIC AND DON'T CALL 911

School officials say during the event you may see lots of activities at the school. They expect emergency medical services or fire personnel, law enforcement officers, medical aircraft, or other public safety agencies. A press release says actors will play the roles of students, teachers and first-responders. Don't panic and they say there's no need for the public to call 9-1-1 or take any action.

EVERYTHING WILL LOOK REAL BUT IT'S AN EXERCISE

The exercise is designed to be as real as possible for all individuals involved. School officials say actors "will wear makeup to simulate wounds. Law enforcement officers will carry firearms. Fire and EMS personnel will be involved in a simulated response. Ambulances will be in the area to simulate the transport of patients to hospitals. Emergency vehicles will be in the area."

TRAFFIC WILL BE IMPACTED

To help facilitate the exercise, and to increase participant safety, a traffic revision is planned on University Parkway. The public may experience congestion in the area during the exercise. For the safety of exercise participants and the public, we request the public to use alternate routes and remain clear of the exercise area.