District 97 will participate in an emergency management exercise hosted by Oak Park and River Forest High School in partnership with Districts 90, 91, and 200, local police and fire departments, Cook County, area hospitals, and other regional partners on Monday, Aug. 3, and a reunification exercise at both OPRFHS and Percy Julian Middle School on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
The exercise is designed to evaluate and strengthen emergency response plans, coordination among partner agencies, and communication systems in a realistic, full-scale environment. Participants will practice responding to a simulated emergency using established protocols, helping participating agencies prepare for a wide range of emergency scenarios.
"Over the past several years, OPRF and our public safety partners have worked diligently to develop comprehensive emergency response plans," said Kristen Devitt, Director of Campus Safety for OPRF. "This exercise gives us an invaluable opportunity to put those plans into practice, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen our ability to respond effectively should a real emergency ever occur."
"Public safety is a shared responsibility and this exercise reflects the strong, collaborative relationships between the Village of Oak Park and our partners across the community,” said Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson. “Exercises like this one are essential to ensuring our first responders are prepared to work seamlessly together when it matters most. We're grateful to Oak Park River Forest High School for hosting this important training and to the many residents who will volunteer their time to help make it a success."
On Aug. 4, participating agencies will conduct a reunification exercise at OPRF and Julian Middle School to practice the coordinated process of safely reuniting students with their families following an emergency.
"While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them together is one of the most important ways we prepare to support students and families during an emergency," said Felicia Starks, Chief Safety Officer for District 97. "The reunification exercise gives us the opportunity to strengthen our procedures and work alongside our public safety partners before students and staff return."
The exercise has been intentionally scheduled before the start of the school year, when school is not in session and no athletic practices or student activities are scheduled.
To ensure public safety and minimize confusion, no live firearms will be used during the exercise. No blank-firing weapons, paintball markers, airsoft guns, or other simulated firearms will be used.
Residents may observe emergency vehicles, simulated patient transport, and emergency personnel operating around the OPRF campus on Monday and at Julian Middle School on Tuesday as agencies practice their coordinated response.
Temporary Road Closures
To safely conduct the exercise, the following temporary street closures will be in effect:
Monday, Aug. 3 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Erie Street from the Mall to Scoville Avenue
- Scoville Avenue from Erie Street to Ontario Street
- The Mall from Erie Street to Lake Street
Alleys and adjacent streets will remain open.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- The Mall from Erie Street to Lake Street
Community Volunteers Needed
Community members 18 years of age and older are invited to participate as volunteers by serving as role players during the exercise or by assisting with emergency communications. Volunteers will help create realistic scenarios that allow responders to evaluate emergency procedures and coordination.
Anyone interested in volunteering may register by completing the online form:
Volunteer Form: Full-Scale Emergency Exercise
Questions may be directed to Kristen Devitt, OPRFHS Director of Campus Safety, at [email protected].