Faculty and students practiced safety drills and emergency protocol for Safety Day during WIN Wednesday, Oct. 2. 

“If everyone knows what we are supposed to be doing and knows the protocol for safety, then we will be a safer community,” said Beals House Dean Scott Heslin.

Some students expressed feeling anxious during drills.

“When they talk about the scenarios that could happen, people get stressed,” said junior Daniella Bunch.

Although safety drills can cause anxiety for some students, they are essential for preparing the school for emergencies, according to Heslin. He added that despite the stress drills may cause, the goal of Safety Day is to make real emergencies less stressful.

“I think it causes unnecessary paranoia for students,” said sophomore Rebecca Tovim. 

Students stressed or anxious after Safety Day were encouraged to meet with their guidance counselor for support.

“In advisory, the teachers say that if you’re stressed, you should talk to a guidance counselor,” said sophomore Amy Lee.

“We would talk to the students and validate their feelings,” said guidance counselor Jessica Volmer. “And reassure them that these are just drills.”

According to Heslin, Safety Day is a “collaborative team effort” because of North’s partnership with the police and fire departments. During the drill, police officers came to North to ensure that drills were being carried out effectively.

“I think it causes unnecessary paranoia for students,” said sophomore Rebecca Tovim.