Crane Middle School practicing in case of emergencies

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Today Crane Middle School conducted a large-scale re-unification drill to better prepare students and staff for emergencies. 

The lockdown drill began on campus Tuesday morning, followed by an evacuation of about 200 participating students. 

This is part of the crane district’s federally approved emergency site plan that is activated during a true emergency.

“Practice helps lessen the anxiety of what we’re going to do so every place goes perfect on paper, right but when we actually make it live, we do find when we have fallen short maybe and have been able to correct it over the years of doing this drill,” said Dr. Mike Hoffman, Crane Assistant Superintendent.

After the lockdown drill, students were transported to Ray Kroc Sports Complex to reunite with their families. 

The Yuma Police Department says this is to prepare for any possible emergencies, like a natural disaster, active shooter or some other type of school crisis.

“Us as the Yuma Police Department have been training for several months in order to incorporate this, right down from the point of being able to arrive on scene and then what takes place as soon as were on the scene and what we do to work with the school district to make sure the school is properly locked down and we’re able to have access to that to ensure that everyone is safe when we get there,” said officer Christina Fernandez, Yuma Police Department.

I also spoke to a Crane parent who says she’s glad they did this drill. 

“It’s actually pretty comforting to know that they have something set up in case something really bad happens at least I know that she’s going to be safe and it was pretty nice and calm coming in and getting this done, so it was good. I like it,” said Jennifer Ross.

Again, this was just a drill, but we wanted to let you know in case you saw any police activity around crane middle school, now you know why.