Fort Drum tests emergency response capabilities during readiness exercise

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWTI) – Last week, Fort Drum ran a preparedness exercise to handle a hypothetical train derailment that released toxic gas.

On July 10, the base did a daylong readiness exercise July 10 on post. This was to prepare for a situation where a train derails near the base and releases a toxic plume of smoke.

The full-scale exercise involved dozens of installation agencies and organizations working to resolve the crisis, starting with teams of first responders at the incident site to secure and investigate the crash area, treat casualties, and coordinate efforts from the incident command post.

We primarily conduct an exercise every year to test and refine our emergency response and recovery capabilities. It requires a massive coordination and communication effort to keep everyone apprised of the situation in real time and reacting to developments throughout the exercise.

Rich Hughes, Fort Drum emergency manager

Also participating in the exercise were mutual aid partners from Gouverneur Rescue Squad, Evans Mills Volunteer Ambulance, and South Jefferson Rescue Squad, who assisted with medical aid and transport to local hospitals in Watertown, Gouverneur, Alexandria Bay, and Carthage.

Hughes said that roughly 80 soldiers and civilians volunteered as role players for the exercise, serving as casualties and community members in distress.

Before entering the Family Resource Center, which served as the emergency family assistance center (EFAC), role players were provided background information about their characters. Some were panicked and needed behavioral health assistance, while others lived in housing near the incident site and required temporary lodging.

This includes behavioral health specialists, military and family life counselors, American Red Cross and housing representatives.

(Courtesy of  Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

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