04/29/2026
BARBOUR COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND 911
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
Date: April 29, 2026
Philip Barbour High School Conducts Active Threat
Evacuation Drill in Collaboration with County-Wide
First Responders
Multi-Agency Training Exercise Prepares Students and Staff for Life-Safety Situations
— All Groups Evacuated Building in Under 25 Seconds
PHILIPPI, W.Va. — On April 29, 2026, Philip Barbour High School, in partnership with
Barbour County emergency services and law enforcement agencies, successfully
conducted a coordinated active threat evacuation drill. The exercise was designed to
prepare students for rapidly and safely exiting the building in the event of an active
threat entering a large gathering area.
The simulation was staged during a lunch period in the school& #39;s commons area. Prior to
the drill, students were briefed on the scenario, informed of designated exit locations,
and directed to designated outdoor rally points where staff and first responders would
await them. A law enforcement officer entered the commons area and signaled the start
of the evacuation by whistle — no weapons or simulated weapons of any kind were
used. School staff, partnered with law enforcement officers and emergency responders,
were stationed at each exit to guide students safely out of the building.
The results of the drill were outstanding. Every participating group evacuated the
building in less than 25 seconds. Following the evacuation, students were gathered
outside for an immediate debrief. Upon returning to the commons area, participants
were reminded that the skills practiced today extend beyond the school setting — active
threat awareness and response apply to any crowded venue, including malls, retail
stores, houses of worship, and office buildings. The goal is for students to carry this
knowledge with them throughout their lives and be better prepared for situations we all
hope will never occur.
Participating Agencies and Organizations
• Barbour County Schools
• Philip Barbour High School Administration and Staff
• Barbour County Sheriff’s Department
• Barbour County Office of Emergency Management and 911
• Philippi Police Department and Task Force
• West Virginia State Police
• Barbour County Ambulance Authority
• Brandon Wellness Center Staff
A Continued Commitment to School Safety
Today’s exercise is part of a sustained, multi-year commitment by Barbour County
Schools and its first responder partners to ensure that students and staff are equipped
with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to emergencies. Through
ongoing drills, exercises, and collaborative trainings, these agencies continue to
strengthen the safety and security infrastructure of our schools and our broader
community.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to every agency, staff member, and student who
participated in today’s training. The teamwork, professionalism, and dedication
demonstrated today reflect the very best of what our community has to offer. Together,
we will continue these efforts to keep our schools safe and our students prepared.”
— Corey Brandon, Barbour County Emergency Manager
MEDIA CONTACT:
Barbour County Office of Emergency Management and 911
Philippi, West Virginia
Phone: 681-622-0835 | Email: [email protected]