Emergency Training Exercise to be Held January 22 at MIT's Kresge Auditorium

In keeping with best practices in higher education emergency management, and in an effort to further enhance the preparedness of our first responders, MIT Emergency Management, MIT Police and Cambridge Public Safety agencies will be conducting a full-scale emergency training exercise on Wednesday, January 22, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kresge Auditorium (Building W16).

Due to the realistic nature of the training exercise, which will include simulated gunfire, the entire building, the Kresge Oval, the Kresge BBQ pits, and the Kresge parking lot will be closed to the public during the exercise. There is no danger to the public and we urge residents not to be alarmed.

This exercise will allow first responders both internal and external to MIT, including from the City of Cambridge, to practice their response efforts in a realistic, yet controlled, environment. In addition, this exercise provides the Institute with the opportunity to evaluate our emergency protocols and to ensure a coordinated, timely, and effective response in the event of a real threat to the campus.

The exercise has intentionally been scheduled between semesters, during MIT’s Independent Activities Period (IAP), to minimize disruption to campus operations. 

In a letter to the MIT community, John DiFava, director of public safety and MIT’s chief of police, explains: “Every effort is being made to ensure that our community is aware of the exercise. The exercise area will be fenced off, ample signage will be posted, and MIT Police officers will be stationed at entrances to ensure that only authorized and screened participants are allowed inside.”

Residents who have any additional questions or concerns about the exercise should contact MIT Emergency Management at em-staff@mit.edu or 617-452-4368.

WHO: 
MIT Emergency Management & MIT Police 
Cambridge Public Safety (Police, Fire, ECC and EMS)

WHAT:                 
Full-scale emergency training exercise 

WHERE:              
Kresge Auditorium
48 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139

WHEN:                  
Wednesday, January 22
6 a.m. – 2 p.m.