UNF to host full-scale first responder exercise on May 5
The University of North Florida, in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and the Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division, will conduct a full-scale active assailant, assistance and reunification exercise from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5.
This is a planned, controlled and highly coordinated exercise with extensive safety measures in place held during a week when UNF classes are not in session. The experience will simulate a real‑time, high‑stress active assailant incident and the subsequent survivor support and reunification process. The incident is not real; however, the response activities during the fictional exercise will be practiced in a manner that is as realistic as possible. The full‑scale exercise will involve visible law enforcement, emergency vehicles and simulated sounds and activity on campus.
“The safety of our campus is UNF’s top priority,” said UNF Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to conduct large-scale coordinated emergency response exercises with our local first responders.”
This comprehensive emergency preparedness activity is designed to rigorously test readiness, coordination and response capabilities across multiple emergency response agencies and university departments.
The area near the Student Union where the training will take place will be clearly marked and not open to the public during the training. Security will be positioned at perimeter points around the Student Union to guide pedestrian traffic safely around the exercise area. Security personnel will also be stationed throughout affected areas including buildings, garages, lots and road closures to support safety, security and traffic flow.
Parking spaces in the southeast section of Lot 18, Harmon Stadium, the Arena Parking Garage and Lot 4 will be blocked off from midnight on Monday, May 4, through 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5. Varsity Lane and UNF Drive will be closed between Lot 7 through Lot 3 from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5; however, entrances to both lots will remain accessible.