By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (February 12, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant recently completed the first year of an integrated approach to active threat preparedness. The Active Threat Preparedness Program focuses on prevention and, in the case of the unthinkable, reducing the loss of life to the greatest extent possible.
“The ATPP was born out of the critical need to combat a crisis that is engulfing our nation. From the recent Charleston AME Church massacre, to the Las Vegas music festival and the Parkland High School shootings; we are reminded that active threats are unpredictable, evolve quickly, and occur in any number of settings,” said Emergency Manager Amanda Knight.
“The frequency and unpredictability of these incidents challenge every community to prepare and equip its citizens with the knowledge necessary to survive,” she added. “A direct correlation exists between individual preparedness and successful decision-making during crisis situations.”
Over the past year, the program has focused on education, security assessment and first response. The Town has trained 275 Town Hall personnel, teachers and administrators in 23 public and private schools, staff and congregation of three churches, and local businesses with Avoid, Deny, Defend and Stop the Bleed tactics, providing the participants with a proven plan for survival.
Moving forward, the team will continue to educate community members, strengthen the Town's emergency preparedness capabilities, in order to fortify the community's resilience. For more information about the ATPP, or to request training, contact the Emergency Manager at aknight@tompsc.com.