The training exercise took place at the school district’s Lasky Building. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

The Beverly Hills Unified School District partnered with the Beverly Hills Fire Department on Aug. 2 to conduct an emergency response training exercise at the district’s Lasky Building.

Held while students were away from campus, the exercise allowed firefighters to train in a school setting using realistic emergency scenarios. Activities included simulated fire and smoke conditions, search and rescue operations, hose and ladder deployment, ventilation procedures and incident command coordination.

District officials said providing access to school facilities enables first responders to become familiar with building layouts, entrances and operational conditions before an emergency occurs. The training is also part of BHUSD’s ongoing collaboration with Beverly Hills public safety agencies to strengthen campus preparedness.

“One of Beverly Hills’ greatest strengths is the close partnership between our city and our schools,” Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri said. “Today’s joint training exercise with the Beverly Hills Fire Department is another example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together with a shared mission of protecting our community. Preparedness is not something we take for granted at BHUSD, and we are deeply appreciative of the fire department’s commitment to ensuring our campuses, students and staff are ready for any situation. Together, we are building a safer and stronger Beverly Hills.”

Manouchehri said the district values the fire department’s efforts to help ensure campuses are prepared for emergencies and plans to continue working with local public safety agencies.

Before the exercise, BHUSD and the city coordinated notifications to nearby residents advising that emergency vehicles and non-toxic training smoke would be visible during the drill.

District officials said they plan to continue making school facilities available for future training exercises with the Beverly Hills fire and police departments as part of ongoing emergency preparedness efforts.

For information, visit bhusd.org.