Community members may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in the Ridgefield area during the exercise

RIDGEFIELD, Wash.- Ridgefield School District, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), and multiple Clark County school districts, will conduct a joint emergency preparedness exercise on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ridgefield High School.

The exercise will take place from approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed to strengthen coordination and response efforts among regional partners in the event of an emergency.

This training will simulate an environmental hazard scenario, allowing participating agencies and school personnel to practice evacuation procedures and the safe process of returning students to their families at family assistance sites. Participating students will be bused to another Clark County location as part of the exercise.

Community members may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in the Ridgefield area during the exercise. District officials emphasize that this is a planned training event and not an actual emergency.

“This type of collaboration is critical to ensuring we are fully prepared to respond in a coordinated and effective manner,” said Dr. Charlotte Ellis, Executive Director of Schools and Leadership for the Ridgefield School District. “By practicing together, we strengthen our ability to keep students and staff safe.”

Importantly, the exercise will not simulate an act of violence on a school campus. Instead, it focuses on emergency response systems and communication protocols related to a non-violent scenario such as a natural disaster.

Information provided by the Ridgefield School District.