KONFITMA 2024 full-scale exercise on Sept. 3 and 4

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in coordination with the CNMI Public School System, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Department of Public Safety, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Customs and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Bureau of Environmental Coastal Quality, Guam National Guard 94th WMD-CST, and Wisconsin National Guard 54TH WMD-CST wish to inform the community of the upcoming KONFITMA 2024 exercise on Sept. 3 and 4 on Saipan.

This exercise will include a series of challenging scenarios. On Sept. 3, an active shooter scenario will occur at Kagman High School. This will begin lockdown procedures at 9:30am at KHS, Chacha Oceanview Middle School, Kagman Elementary School, and Kagman Head Start/Early Head Start Center.

The next situation is a hostage and active shooter scenario at the Kagman Juvenile Detention Center. Next, a mass care and decontamination scenario will occur at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. A hazmat and CBRNE scenario will happen at the Kagman Juvenile Detention Center. This will conclude the scenarios for day one of the exercise.

On Sept. 4, a chlorine and CBRNE incident will occur at a CUC storage unit. This will conclude the exercise scenarios for the exercise. (PR)

KONFITMA 2024 exercise is designed for the readiness and responsiveness of the CNMI Hazardous Material Response Team with support from the 94th CST and the 54th CST in dealing with potential CBRNE threats. The event will simulate realistic scenarios that test the CNMI Hazardous Material Response Team and the 94th CST and the 54th CST capabilities in detection, decontamination, medical response, and coordination with emergency services from the local, state, and federal levels.

The 94th Civil Support Team is a specialized unit of the Guam National Guard focused on responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives incidents. The team is equipped with advanced technology and trained to provide expert support to civil authorities during emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of the public.

CNMI PSS’s primary goals for this exercise are to:

• Evaluate the preparedness of school staff and students during an active shooter scenario

• Test the effectiveness of their school Emergency Operations Plans, particularly focusing on lockdown procedures and crisis communication strategies

• Assess the coordination and communication among partner agencies within a Unified Command Structure

Evaluate the activation and efficiency of the newly installed fire alarm and intercom systems within the participating schools.

CNMI PSS kindly asks parents and the community to note the following:

• Do not panic: This is a planned exercise, and there is no actual threat to the schools.

• Please do not visit the schools: To ensure the exercise proceeds smoothly, they ask that parents and community members refrain from visiting the schools during the drill.

• Avoid the area if possible: It is highly encouraged to avoid the vicinity of the participating schools during the exercise to minimize traffic and distractions.

• Support your child: Be observant of your child’s emotional needs following the drill and provide additional support if necessary. PSS School Counselors and Mental Health team are ready to provide support. We understand that participation in this drill may be challenging for some students. If your child has a history of trauma, anxiety, or a disability that may make participation distressing, please communicate with your child’s teacher or counselor beforehand.

The CNMI HSEM, PSS, DPS, DFEMS, and all participating organizations are committed to conducting this exercise with the utmost sensitivity and respect for our community. Measures will be in place to ensure safety and minimize disruption. The public is advised of the increased emergency responder activity on the island during the exercise. These activities are part of the exercise and should not be a cause for concern.

For more information or any questions, do not hesitate to contact the CNMI Office Homeland Security and Emergency Management public information officer Bernard Villagomez at (670) 287-7106 or b.villagomez@cnmihsem.gov.mp. (PR)