The idea of the delayed fire drill was put into practice at the end of the 2018-19 school year. These drills were designed to input more safety measures in case of the alarm being a disguise for something worse. In the case of an intruder pulling the alarm, the drills were implemented to sweep and clear the building before the students and staff exit. A survey was sent out to all NHHS students, asking their opinion on the revised drills.
When asked if they think the new fire drills are an improvement on the previous system, Alexis Sidwell, senior, stated: “I do think it's an improvement because it keeps us safer in an emergency, and if there was a fire, we'd still have plenty of time to get out.”
Bernabe Ribera, senior, commented: “Yes I do, the U.S has been going through a lot of school shootings lately so it's good that we are being extra careful.”
Caroline Otten, junior, said, “I feel it is an improvement; it isn't as crazy and it is very straightforward with what you have to do.”
The students were then asked if there was any way to improve the current drills, and Alaina Scott, junior, responded with, “We should have some type of shade to put over the windows and the classroom doors.”
Lauren Hoerstkamp, senior, said: ”I would say sometimes the teachers [think] they have all their kids, but then a few in the class are not even over with [their] teacher because of the mass amount of kids leaving the building at once. So [I would suggest] making sure the teachers are actually looking to see if all of their students are there before putting up the green sign.”
In response to whether or not there is a need to improve the current drills, Addison Tolar, senior, replied, “No. I think we are doing the best we can right now.”
The third question asked was if the extra time required for the new drill could be a hazard. Chloe Lueckenhoff, junior, said: “I feel like if it’s a real fire, then yes, it is hazardous to our safety. But if there's an intruder, then [the extra time] would help us. It all depends on the situation.”
Brenna Langenberg, freshman, stated: “No. A fire could not pass through brick walls so fast that we would all die.”
Caroline Otten, junior, commented: “I feel it is giving us time to figure out what the situation is and whether or not it is okay to leave the school.”