The entire MUW campus experienced a disaster drill on the morning of Sept. 8. The drill simulated an active shooter on campus.

In order to prepare for the drill, MSMS students attended a hall meeting the Wednesday before to receive instructions on what to do during the drill. If students were in their dorm when the alarm went off, they were to stay in the nearest room and lock it, not opening the doors until they received the official announcement to do so. Students in class during the drill had to follow instructions from their teacher; lights would be turned off, blinds pulled down, and the door locked, while everyone hid in the corners of the room, waiting for the drill to finish. The drill started a little past 8 a.m. and lasted about 15 minutes for those in class.

Interestingly enough, students who were in their dorms had to stay in lockdown for a longer period of time. Mackenzie Wilson, a student who was in her dorms when the alarm went off retells her experience. “The alarm went off about 8:05, so I was barely awake and still trying to make my coffee. Our drill lasted for about 45 minutes.” She followed the residence staff’s instructions and stayed in her  room. “When the alarm went off, I locked the door and lowered the blinds. I grabbed a book and went into the bathroom, even though you can’t lock those doors from the inside. I pretty much just sat there reading until we got the all clear.”  
Hopefully a real emergency will never occur on campus, but in the case of one happening, it’s always good to be prepared and know what to do.