With prom right around the corner, EHS held their annual prom safety assembly to talk about expectations and safety precautions to ensure prom is a night to remember in the best way possible.
Seniors and Juniors piled into the gym after 4th period to listen to first responders talk about safe driving, 911 calls, and consent. Lane Fire Authority Lt. Tressa Miller started off the assembly and introduced the other speakers.
Andrea Ward, a 911 operator, walked students through a 911 call assuring that “If, for some reason, you need to call 911 for help, we’re gonna be there for you.” Ward explained that during a 911 call the first thing they will ask for is the address of the emergency and then they will ask the caller to repeat it for clarity. Ward had the group call out the prom venue, which is the Ford Alumni Center.
The next thing an operator will do is ask exactly what happened. If it’s a medical situation they will mainly ask a series of yes or no questions. Ward made sure to clarify that while the caller is answering these questions there is someone sending help and that answering those questions is for the benefit of the caller.
Next up was Sergeant Tom Speldrich who spoke about driving safely. Speldrich gave examples of students dying in a car accident as a result of distracted and drunk driving. He also gave statistics of auto deaths on Lane County roads and how it’s on track to triple this year, in hopes to deter students from driving impaired.
He urged students to make responsible decisions, saying “A good time does not absolve you from bad consequences.” Speldrich closed his section of the presentation by showing an emotional video created by staff, students, and first responders in 2019 dedicated to display the harsh reality of how drunk auto deaths impact a school and community titled “Every 15 Minutes Elmira 2019.”
Miller took to the podium again, stating that to keep children safe “You talk with them, you educate them, and you love them.” She encouraged students to write a letter to their parents about what they would say if they died in a car accident to keep it in their purse, backpack, etc. Miller stated that she’d been doing this exercise for years and hopes it will deter students from reckless driving.
Deputy Mike Hudson ended the presentation by talking about setting expectations for prom night. Hudson told students to communicate how they want the night to go, then showed a video about consent called “Consent, It’s Simple As Tea.” He also reminded students to be thoughtful about the pictures they take and to make sure there is good communication with parents, as well as a set curfew.
Hudson concluded his section of the assembly by telling students that they are all important, to make good decisions, and to have a great prom night.
