Topic: Administrative
August 4, 2009
The Delaware County Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA), at the request and coordination with Ball State University, will conduct a crisis exercise at Ball State's Lewellen Pool Aug. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The exercise will involve Ball State Public Safety, Delaware County, District 6 Mass Casualty Team, District 6 HAZMAT Team, District 6 Decontamination Team and District 6 Bomb Squad component from Delaware County and test their collective ability to respond against a potential terrorist action.
In the exercise, Ball State dispatch will receive an anonymous call saying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been placed on 55-gallon chlorine barrels surrounding Lewellen Pool and could detonate at any time. The team will respond as if the barrels detonate during high-traffic time while school is in session.
Jeff Evans, DCEMA deputy director, created the simulation and has experience conducting crisis exercises. In 2007, he simulated an active shooter situation at Wilson Middle School and again created a simulation exercise activating the Biological Detection System at the U.S. Postal Service Distribution Center in Muncie on Sept. 11, 2008.
"We're excited to get everyone involved and truly test the capability of our responders," Evans stated. "An exercise like this is a great way to do that."
Evans touted the importance of the exercises and said they work as an audit for emergency responses. And, while this is not the first simulation involving several agencies, he said the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is more involved than in any previous exercise.
The IDHS' exercise program is in place to improve targeted capabilities and overall readiness by preparing for real-world events. To help prepare, the program offers seminars, workshops, tabletops, games, drills and functional and full-scale exercises in which Evans participates as well.
For additional information about the exercise, contact Evans at 765-747-4888 or e-mail jevans@co.delaware.in.us.