New rule calls for more emergency drills at school

New rule calls for more emergency drills at school


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SALT LAKE CITY — Soon all of Utah's public schools will be required to hold drills more regularly for things like an active shooter situation. State Superintendent Martell Menlove says it's because of the times we live in.

A new rule would have all Utah public schools drill every month. Menlove said it would alternate between fire drills, shelter-in-place, earthquake and violence drills.

"Although we continue to be concerned about fires in schools, there are additional threats," Menlove said. "Children need to be prepared for some of these other situations that could be a threat to a child, so we are asking schools to practice drills in those other areas."

"The number one hope is that nothing will ever happen. But just in case, we want teachers and students to be prepared," he said.

The state board approved the rule and put it out for review. It's anticipated it will be voted on next month. The hope is that regular drills for violence, earthquakes, shelter-in-place as well as fires will make things run smoothly if ever something like that does actually happen.


The number one hope is that nothing will ever happen. but just in case, we want teachers and students to be prepared.

–Martell Menlove


Menlove said the drills they have now are already working. Recently the Davis School District had a report of a shooter but the students didn't panic because of the drills they had practiced.

"They interviewed some of the students and said, 'Did people panic?' The students said, 'No, we have practiced this before so we just did what we have practiced doing,'" Menlove said.

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Mary Richards

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