Norfolk, Va. – An active shooter Homeland Security training exercise is taking place today, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Eastern Virginia Medical Center campus (EVMS, CHKD, Sentara).
The exercise represents joint planning and training among medical partners on Eastern Virginia Medical Center campus (EVMS, CHKD, Sentara) along with City of Norfolk first responders and the Virginia State Police.
During the exercise, the community may see significant city response like lights and sirens from first responders from the City of Norfolk Police and Fire and Rescue teams as well as staff at Eastern Virginia Medical School, CHKD and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
This is an exercise – and there is no need for concern.
No services at the campus will be affected during the exercise April 25.
The campus and all of its services will be open and fully operational during the exercise.
All city roadways will be open with the exception of Children’s Lane, which runs between Olney road and Raleigh Avenue in front of Children’s Hospital and the new EVMS education and research building. People who need to reach the CHKD Emergency Room can still park in the garage located on Raleigh Avenue.
Campus partners collaborate in patient care daily and share resources. Through shared planning and exercises, campus partners and first responders will strengthen their unified response to continue serving as a valued community asset, especially in times of need.
Campus partners and first responders see value in joint planning and training for emergency responses to situations that could affect the entire campus.
This exercise may serve as a model for the Commonwealth as Virginia State Police begin to fulfill an executive order to review and improve safety at schools and on campuses.
