Emergency training

(Hamilton, OH) – Better safe than sorry.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts partners with the Hamilton Police Department and the Butler County Emergency Management Agency to host emergency training Tuesday, July 2.

The police conduct active shooter training from 9 a.m. to noon, while EMA presents from 1 to 3 p.m. on weather preparation (including tornadoes), evacuation and safety procedures.

Both sessions take place in the Fitton Family Theater on the first floor at 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011.

“You don’t like to think about these things, but as a place where the public gathers, we need to think about these things,” said Fitton Center Executive Director Ian MacKenzie-Thurley. “We are lucky to have such outstanding partners in the police department and in emergency management who are willing to share their expertise.”

Beyond training the Fitton Center staff, the sessions are open - and free of charge – for any organization that would like to be better prepared.

“We were going to do the training for our staff regardless,” MacKenzie-Thurley said. “As we put it together, though, we thought, ‘Well, we have this 240-seat theater. Let’s open it up to other local businesses, area non-profits and community organizations.’ “That’s part of our mission - to build community excellence. We’re happy to share our resources, especially for something that will benefit everyone.”

Invitations went out via We Art Hamilton, the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Hamilton Rotary Club and other umbrella organizations. Interested parties may inquire about available space by writing ian@fittoncenter.org or calling 513-863-8873, ext. 113.

“We never want to have to actually use this training,” MacKenzie-Thurley said. “But just in case, we’ll know what to do to keep people as safe as possible in the event of an emergency. It’s important for our staff and for our guests to know we’re doing everything we can to make sure they will be safe when they are here.”

To that end, Fitton Center staff also will do CPR, AED and stop-the-bleed training with the Hamilton Fire Department later in the summer.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture