By By Lisa Tindell – news reporter
In the same week that Conecuh County residents were coping with a chemical spill from a train, Escambia County officials are planning a drill for almost the same situation.
For months, Escambia County emergency management officials have been planning for a drill involving a catastrophic situation in the county.
Imagine this scenario: A hazardous chemical has spilled putting thousands of lives in danger. The accident has created a security threat as well as injuries to a number of people. Members of the Escambia County Emergency Agency and the Poarch Creek Indians Emergency Management group will be acting out that scenario Thursday in Flomaton.
The exercise comes after months of planning and preparation. Similar drills have been performed previously with results used to determine strengths and weakness of agencies involved.
Agencies participating in the exercise will include several fire departments and law enforcement agencies from across Escambia County. Also participating will be three local emergency medical service units, staff and personnel from D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore. Other agencies involved in the exercise are the Alabama Department of Public Health, Escambia County School Board, local chapters of the American Red Cross, Escambia County Area Transit Authority, Jefferson Davis Community College's nursing department, Poarch Creek Emergency Management Agency and the Escambia County Emergency Management Agency.
The full-scale emergency situation will be held beginning at 8:30 Thursday morning, however, due to safety concerns, those not participating in the exercise will not be allowed to enter the exercise site.