PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2010) -- Saint Joseph’s University will conduct an emergency preparedness exercise on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in Sullivan Residence Hall, at 240 N. Latches Lane, and in the surrounding area on the University’s Merion campus. The drill will consist of a simulated crisis scenario involving an “active shooter” on campus.

“Our goal in staging this simulated campus crisis exercise is to raise awareness within the University community of how to be prepared and react in the event of an actual emergency situation,” said John Henfey, SJU’s director of public safety. “This is a proactive learning opportunity to assess and improve our security response and communications.”

The Lower Merion Police Department is working with University officials in coordinating the exercise.  In advance of the drill, the University community will be notified via text messaging of its impending occurrence. At the time of the exercise, a “this is only a test” text message will be sent, and the Barbelin/Lonergan Bell Tower public address system and siren will also be activated.

As part of the exercise, Lapsley Lane will be closed from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and portions of the campus surrounding Sullivan Hall will be cordoned off.  It is anticipated that there will be minimal disruption to the University community, in part because it is taking place on the second day of Fall Break and no classes are scheduled.

General information about campus-wide emergency procedures and resources is available online at: www.sju.edu/resources/emergency/