If you see a large number of police cars, fire trucks, and emergency crews around Portsmouth schools Friday morning—don’t panic.
It’s just training.
On Friday, March 27, the Portsmouth Police Department will be conducting a large-scale joint training exercise with Portsmouth City School staff, along with Scioto County EMA, Portsmouth Fire Department, and several neighboring agencies, including the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and Shawnee State DPS.
The exercise is scheduled to run from approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
During that time, residents can expect a heavy emergency response presence in and around school properties. Officials stress this is a planned drill and there is no real emergency.
No students will be present during the exercise.
Drivers are also being advised to avoid the area if possible, as some streets around the schools may be temporarily blocked during the training.
Officials say exercises like this are critical to making sure first responders and school staff are prepared for real emergencies—but again, Friday’s activity is only a drill.
So if you hear sirens or see flashing lights around Portsmouth schools—there’s no cause for alarm.
