FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The Northern Arizona University Police Department and NAU Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Flagstaff Police Department and City Emergency Management, will conduct an active shooter preparedness exercise on the NAU campus on Friday, Aug. 7.
The scenario will involve a simulated active shooter situation on the NAU campus and emergency response activities. The goal of the exercise is to strengthen emergency response capabilities, improve coordination among responding agencies, and enhance overall regional preparedness for emergencies.
Participating agencies include the NAU Police Department, NAU Emergency Management, the Flagstaff Police Department, City Emergency Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Fire Department, Guardian Medical Transport, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The location of the exercise was determined due to the availability of several vacant buildings on NAU’s north campus and the university’s summer schedule, which significantly limits campus use on Friday.
Several north campus roads, parking lots, and sidewalks will be closed or will have limited access during the exercise, including E. Franklin Street, McCreary Drive and the bus transit route through north campus on Beaver Street.
This is a planned exercise and there is no threat to the campus or surrounding community. University employees working in the vicinity of Peterson Hall may observe emergency vehicles, responders in tactical gear, realistic role player injuries, and other simulated emergency activities, including the sounds of fake gunfire.
The exercise is expected to run between 8 a.m. and noon on Aug. 7. Street, parking lot, and sidewalk closure signs will go up on Thursday, Aug. 6 at noon and will be removed upon completion of the exercise.
This coordinated exercise reflects the continued partnership between NAU and the City of Flagstaff to strengthen coordinated emergency response throughout the community and with partner agencies. Questions concerning the exercise can be directed to City of Flagstaff Emergency Manager Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@flagstaffaz.gov