Police, firefighters and educators gathered near a Centre County High School to participate in an emergency drill Monday.

The emergency drill at Philipsburg-Osceola High School was part of the Safe Schools Initiative, and the purpose was to make sure everyone is on the same page should a crisis like a shooter or another threat happen at the school.

Officials said the drills are good training for all school employees so an emergency doesn't turn into panic when students are around.

During the drill emergency officials asked the public to avoid the area and roads in the surrounding neighborhoods were closed, just like they would be if there were an emergency.

State police said they are practicing the same real-life scenarios at schools across the state.