Campus exercise on Tuesday to test emergency response

The University of Wisconsin–Madison will be conducting an emergency response exercise from 7 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

The full-scale exercise will be held in and around the Food Research Building, 1925 Willow Drive, and will involve emergency personnel and vehicles from UW Police (UWPD) and local emergency management crews.

Tuesday’s drill will involve a high degree of realism, including actors posing as “victims” who may appear to be injured. There is also the potential that members of the community traveling in the area will see police officers with weapons drawn. 

The exercise is designed to improve the university’s response to a real emergency or disaster situation, according to Lt. Michael Newton of UWPD, who asks that people continue to go about their daily business and not be alarmed.

UWPD will have signs posted explaining that the activity is only an exercise and officers positioned around the area will be answering questions. At times during the exercise, officers will limit movement into the area but will try not to cause inconvenience for anyone living or working nearby.

If you have questions, call UWPD at (608) 264-COPS.