SIMULATION: How a Middle School Disaster Might Play Out

It didn't happen at Rotolo Middle School in Batavia, but it was close enough—and similar enough—for Friday's emergency disaster drill at Geneva Middle School South to be of interest.

Here's what went down, and what parents can expect if a similar event were to happen in Batavia.

Scenario

As a part of a full-scale drill, a boiler exploded due to equipment failure during first period at Geneva Middle School South, collapsing part of the building. The building's fire alarm was activated. Extrication is needed for students and staff members trapped in the building. Triage is also needed. Five people are being transported to Delnor Hospital with a variety of serious, simulated injuries.

11:15 a.m.

It looks like fun, but it's serious business at Geneva Middle School South, as participants in the disaster drill get made up to play their parts. The process is called "moulage" and it takes place just inside Entrance 20 at GMS South.

The actors are rehearsing their roles while emergency crew stand by.

"Act normal. Play with them. If you want to grab someone and say, 'Come over here, we need you over here,' do it," one manager tells the actors.

12:05 p.m.

An explosion goes off, with flames, outside the building. Black smoke rises in the air. The drill begins.

What's Happening Inside

Representatives from area fire departments, as well as the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, provided equipment to simulate the equipment failure and smoke within the building. Caution tape and signage was used inside the building to block off exits and present “hazards” to staff and students attempting to exit the building and to present scenarios to emergency responders.

12:10 p.m.

First responders arrive. A Geneva fire truck is first on the scene. They begin by taking hoses off the truck, setting up ladders, sending firefighters inside. The wind is whipping.

12:15 p.m.

Ambulances and additional vehicles arrive. Some victims begin showing up. Firefighters are pulling some from the scene, preparing stretchers for others.

12:30 p.m.

One of the ambulances departs. Buses arrive to transport "students." Ambulances are heading to Delnor Hospital.

Delnor Hospital

As part of the drill, five participants were transported to Delnor Hospital with a variety of serious simulated injuries. Reporters were not allowed inside the hospital.

12:40 p.m.

Some emergency vehicles remain. Most have gone. Buses are ready to leave for the parent/student reunification area.

Parents/students Reunification

In some emergency situations, students may be relocated to another facility for safety. In such an instance, Geneva School District's Emergency Response Plan now incorporates a systematic approach to reuniting students with parents.

Drill participants playing uninjured "students" were evacuated by bus to the west campus of the First Baptist Church of Geneva at Keslinger and Peck roads. There, Geneva School District's unification team members released "students" to drill participants playing "parents."

The west campus of First Baptist Church is one of many reunificaiton sites throughout the area identified for use by the district in the event of an off-campus evacuation.

"Due to the unpredictable nature of any emergency, district staff will only be able to inform parents where the parent/student reunification site is located at the time of the emergency," School District 304 Communications Coordinator Kelley Munch said.

Staff Participation

• 109 School District staff members playing building staff.
• 351 School District staff playing students.
• 114 School District staff playing parents.
• 43 School District staff acting as the district reunification team.

All district administrators also participated.

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