School is on alert but trying to keep a sense of normalcy
DELTA COUNTY -- You can't see it, but Escanaba High School is on high alert this week after Monday's hostage situation in Marinette was followed by bomb threats in Stephenson and Menominee.
Now Escanaba is working to find a balance so that they're prepared, but they're not going overboard.
"We don't want to make a big notice to it, but we have to be aware of it,” said Escanaba High School Assistant Principal, Dave Wilson. “We've had bomb threats here at the Escanaba High School in the past. We do have protocols and procedures that we go onto when we feel there's a threat to the building or a threat to the students."
The Michigan State Police specialize in responding and preventing bomb threats at local schools. They stay prepared through regular drills and training.
"We have specialized personnel that are available to respond 24 hours a day, such as K-9 teams, ES Teams, SWAT teams,” said Michigan State Police Sergeant Matthew Labonte. “There are school plans that are in place that involve the response to the scene."
Labonte warns that calling in a bomb threat is not mischief...it's a four-year felony, so students should think twice before trying it.
While bomb threats are always taken seriously, Wilson said keeping a positive atmosphere is key.
"We're one big extended family and us, as staff members, teachers, administrators, custodians, we're acting as their parents in lieu of their parents not being here,” Wilson said. “When the kids come here in the morning, we want them to leave the exact same way they came in here, safely."
Michigan State Police said it is critical for parents and children to have an open line of communication to ensure success in situations like this.
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