By Jackie Torok
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host a three-day public safety training event involving local, state, regional and federal agencies in Truist Stadium at East Lindsay and Sullivan streets.
The event scenario, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, through Friday, July 14, will involve hazard detection alerts.
The training goals are to organize a systematic search of the facility, use technology and follow plans for command and control, locate and identify the source, and test response and equipment.
“I think it is vitally important that we take every opportunity to be a part of and host trainings like this, as it allows us to continue to improve on keeping our campus community safe,” said Travis Auman, N.C. A&T’s emergency management director. “All of our local, state, and federal partners play a key role in assisting us during emergencies that impact our campus. Being able to train together in different scenarios like this allow us to work together more seamlessly.”
Along with the A&T University Police and Emergency Management departments, participating agencies include the Greensboro, High Point, Statesville, Winston-Salem and Asheville, North Carolina, fire departments, Greensboro and Winston-Salem police departments and bomb squads, Guilford County and North Carolina emergency management departments, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina National Guard, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. About 60 personnel representing some or all of these agencies are expected to participate in each day’s exercises.
The City of Greensboro conducts monthly safety drills that often involve surrounding public safety agencies and schedules at least one large-scale training exercise annually.
“The community should feel confident in our ability to respond to emergencies that may threaten their well-being. Events like this are among the ways we can build that trust,” said Greensboro Fire Chief Dwayne Church. “This event also provides our neighboring public safety partners with the opportunity to connect with state, regional and federal resources and to build relationships with them.”
The Truist Stadium parking lot will be closed to all but safety training participants for the duration of the three-day event.