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SUNY Potsdam Conducts Full-Scale Emergency Response Exercise

SUNY Potsdam Partners with Local and State First Responders and Partner Agencies on Emergency Response Exercise

Potsdam, NY (08/01/2025) — The State University of New York at Potsdam successfully conducted a full-scale emergency response exercise on July 31, as part of its ongoing commitment to campus safety and emergency preparedness.

The exercise, centered around Knowles Hall, brought together more than 50 participants, including first responders, campus officials and local volunteers. The scenario simulated a hazardous materials incident and tested coordinated response capabilities involving fire suppression, evacuation procedures, medical response and unified command operations.

"Exercises like this are essential for building strong partnerships and ensuring that all agencies are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in a real crisis," said Patrick O'Brien, director of environmental health, safety and emergency management at SUNY Potsdam. "By simulating complex scenarios, we're able to identify strengths, address gaps, and continuously improve our emergency response plans to protect our campus and community."

The simulation began with a pretend chemical fire, started by a student working on a chemistry project for a summer science camp. Smoke and scent machines set off in a basement room in Knowles Hall triggered the building's alarms and fire doors, setting off the simulation. University Police officers reported to the scene and then called for the Potsdam Fire Department and Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, as they pulled victims from the fire scene to safety. Potsdam Fire received support from the West Stockholm and Canton departments, as they donned turnout gear, snaked in hoses and brought suppression equipment to the scene. Officers with Potsdam Village Police and New York State Police assisted UP with establishing a perimeter, helping victims and setting up equipment to fight the fictional blaze.

The first responders quickly ascertained that more support was needed, due to the presence of chemicals and the victims' reported injuries, so they called for assistance from the hazardous materials teams from St. Lawrence County and the New York State Police. As those teams arrived, emergency medical technicians practiced their treatments for the four campus volunteers who were simulating injuries for the exercise -- including realistic injury makeup applied by a state expert.

Throughout the exercise, observers documented the response and took notes on areas for improvement. Following the conclusion of the exercise, participants gathered for a debrief meeting to share initial takeaways on what went well and what could have gone better. Additional follow-up meetings are planned to gather further feedback and inform ongoing improvements to emergency response planning.

Multiple local and state emergency response agencies and community partner organizations participated in the drill, including:

  • New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - Offices of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention and Control
  • New York State Police - Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team and Troop B Emergency Management Team
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  • St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services, Hazardous Materials Response Team, Local Emergency Planning Committee, 911 and Public Health Department
  • SUNY Office of Emergency Management
  • Franklin County Office of Emergency Services
  • Rochester Regional Health
  • Potsdam Police Department
  • Potsdam Fire Department
  • Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad
  • West Stockholm Fire Department
  • Canton Fire Department

SUNY Potsdam's University Police, Office of Emergency Management, and other campus departments also played key roles in the exercise.

"SUNY Potsdam extends its sincere thanks to all participating agencies, volunteers, and members of the campus and local community for their cooperation and support in this important emergency preparedness exercise," said President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

SUNY Potsdam hosted an emergency response exercise involving 50 first responders, volunteers and campus community members on July 31.

Realistic wound makeup was part of the preparations for volunteers taking part in the emergency response exercise at SUNY Potsdam.

Firefighters from Potsdam, West Stockholm and Canton took part in the emergency response exercise at SUNY Potsdam, along with hazardous materials teams from St. Lawrence County and the New York State Police.

Realistic wound makeup was part of the preparations for volunteers taking part in the emergency response exercise at SUNY Potsdam.

The emergency response exercise at SUNY Potsdam simulated a chemical fire in the basement of Knowles Hall.

Smoke and scent machines to mimic the conditions of a chemical fire allowed for a realistic emergency response exercise at SUNY Potsdam, involving multiple state and local first responder agencies.

Designated observers and evaluators monitored the emergency response at SUNY Potsdam during a large-scale response exercise.

Campus volunteers served as victims for the simulated incident at SUNY Potsdam, including makeup for their wounds, and cards explaining their physical conditions, to test first responders' skills.

SUNY Potsdam hosted an emergency response exercise involving 50 first responders, volunteers and campus community members on July 31.

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