As we heard last Friday morning, this year’s ALICE drill is coming up soon. Here’s why we practice, what to expect, and what students have to say at Ludlow High School.

As the concern for security continues to increase in our country, it is important that students are prepared with skills to employ in the event of an emergency. For the past few years, LHS has been helping their students by practicing ALICE drills annually, simulating a school shooting as practice for our community.

ALICE is an acronym that stands for steps to be taken during an active shooter situation. Alert, spread the word of a threat; Lockdown, secure a starting point location; Inform, provide information about the situation in real time; Counter, create distractions as a last resort; and Evacuate, move out of danger zone if it is safe to do so. This acronym aims to equip students and teachers with the knowledge they need to survive an active shooter.

Now, what does this mean for the students? Here’s what to expect. On Friday during the school day, a Ludlow police officer will come into the school armed with a blow horn acting as an intruder. Mrs. Nemeth will then come on the intercom, alerting the staff and students of an intruder in the building. She will remind us this is a drill, but it is important to still take it seriously.

Next, teachers will take action in securing students away from the door, making sure they can’t be seen or heard by the intruder. Students will often sit squished together in a corner, under desks, or in closets to keep clear of the door and windows.

As time passes, Mrs. Nemeth will continue to give live updates on the intruders location. Sometimes, if students and teachers deem it safe enough, the class will come together and evacuate the school. However, it is important to keep clear of the intruder, making sure to not get hit by the sound of the blow horn.

There are plenty of mixed opinions on the effectiveness of ALICE drills. Some students worry for the safety of our country, considering other ways to help.

Senior Emilia Alves states, “I think that ALICE drills are representative of just how bad our countries policies on gun laws have become, we need reform and more accessible mental health resources, not drills”

Others aren’t convinced that the ALICE drill is truly helping the student body, saying it is not a true representation of what would happen in the event of a real emergency.

“I don’t think ALICE drills are that effective, if there’s an intruder I’m gonna run out of the building the first chance I get,” senior Sophia Alvaro remarks.

There are hundreds of conflicting opinions on emergency drills, however it is crucial that we continue to practice for the safety of ourselves and others. Stay safe this Friday, as we hope for another successful ALICE drill.