By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER – Managing Editor
Local agencies will be conducting a mock disaster drill next week and want area residents to know it's only a drill.
On Thursday, June 29, officials from D.W. McMillan Hospital, in conjunction with local fire departments, police departments, EMS and EMA, will be holding a mock drill at the YMCA sports park located near the T.R. Miller track.
Debbie Luttrell, spokesperson for the hospital, said crews will be responding to a mock scenario in which a truck carrying a toxic chemical has a hazardous accident.
The scenario will require the fire department to handle decontamination and ambulances will be transporting any &#8220accident” victims.
This is a community-wide disaster drill allowing emergency response crews to stay prepared in the event of a hazardous emergency, Luttrell said.
The last time this type of drill was scheduled was prior to Hurricane Ivan. However, the hurricane's landfall thwarted plans.
Luttrell said the hazardous spill is a good practice scenario for the community.
Most of the commotion people may see will occur from 9 to 10 a.m. with the remainder of the drill moving over to the hospital, Luttrell said.
Local E911 will also be conducting a reverse 911 drill in which residents will be called and reminded there will be a drill, Luttrell said.