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SUNY Potsdam to Conduct Emergency Response Exercise on July 31

SUNY Potsdam Partners with State and Regional Emergency Management and First Responder Agencies to Plan Emergency Response Exercise on July 31

Potsdam, NY (07/07/2025) — The State University of New York at Potsdam will conduct a full-scale emergency response exercise on Thursday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to noon. The exercise will be centered around Knowles Hall, and will involve multiple local and state emergency response agencies.

This planned drill is part of SUNY Potsdam's ongoing commitment to campus safety and emergency preparedness. The purpose of the exercise is to test and evaluate coordinated response capabilities to a simulated hazardous materials incident involving fire, evacuation, medical response and unified command.

What to expect:

  • Increased emergency vehicle presence around campus and on nearby streets during the morning hours
  • Participation by local police, fire, EMS and hazardous materials response units, and other public safety agencies
  • Temporary staging of equipment and personnel in visible areas near Knowles Hall
  • Simulated casualties, including the use of realistic makeup, and responders in full gear throughout the scenario

Important notes:

  • This is only a training exercise -- there is no real emergency.
  • Normal campus operations will continue with minimal disruption.
  • Campus community members and neighbors are encouraged to avoid the Knowles Hall area during the exercise timeframe, if possible.
  • The following campus roads will be inaccessible to non-emergency vehicles during the exercise: Barrington Drive between Lake Placid and Ogdensburg Drive, Ogdensburg Drive between Barrington and Malone Drive, and all of Malone Drive.

SUNY Potsdam appreciates the cooperation of students, faculty, staff and the greater Potsdam community, as the College works to strengthen emergency readiness.

In addition to SUNY Potsdam's University Police, Office of Emergency Management and other campus departments, the participating organizations will include:

  • New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - Office of Emergency Management
  • New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - Office of Fire Prevention and Control
  • New York State Police
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  • St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Service
  • St. Lawrence County Hazardous Materials Response Team
  • St. Lawrence County Local Emergency Planning Committee
  • Potsdam Police Department
  • Potsdam Fire Department
  • Potsdam Rescue Squad

For questions about the exercise, please contact the Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management, at ems@potsdam.edu.

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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