Local Police speak about disaster preparation

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - One of the main groups involved in the response to a situation such as the elementary school shootings in Connecticut is law enforcement. News 10 talked with local police to see how they handle an emergency of this magnitude

Police said their first response would be to go.  

Initially, everyone on duty hearing the call would immediately head in the direction of the incident.   

The first officer on the scene would go toward the shots and survey the area for other incoming officers.  

Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse said the main thing and first objective is to stop the threat at all costs.   

In the video above, you'll notice footage of area SWAT team training.

• PHOTOS: Click here to view

Once the shooter has been taken care of, police would then comb the area to make sure there aren’t any more threats.   

They would then evaluate the wounded and work to evacuate the area.    

The police department has layouts of all area schools to help them know exactly where to go.   

Chief Plasse wants to stress, during an active shooting situation, anyone close should flee the area as quickly as possible. Don't go toward the shooting, making yourself another possible target.   

Chief Plasse said their whole department is extremely saddened to hear about what happened in Connecticut.

He wants to make sure they are prepared for any similar incident here in the county.

“Something like this is terrible. I hope we never, ever have to see that here. I think if it would ever happen and we’re not prepared at least to know what to do, we make it worse by not taking precautions to save as many people as we can if it would occur,” said Chief Plasse.   

This past summer, Chief Plasse said the department worked with area schools to develop a plan in case of emergency.

The police department will continue to work with schools regarding a plan of action.