 "While we have
considerable experience responding to the disasters
we frequently face, such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards, a major
earthquake would definitely present unique challenges," said IEMA
Director Jonathon Monken. "This exercise will give us an opportunity
to test our earthquake plans and identify any issues we need to
address to enhance our preparedness."Monken said the state's
earthquake exercise was originally planned to coincide with the
federal exercise in mid-May. However, with the state of Illinois and
several counties in southern Illinois dealing with major flooding
this spring, the state's portion of the exercise was rescheduled for
November.
While the scenario isn't revealed prior to the exercise,
participants know they will be tasked with implementing existing
plans and procedures for dealing with a catastrophic earthquake
occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, located in southwestern
Illinois. The exercise is a functional exercise, meaning most
activity will occur inside emergency operations centers and other
facilities and won't be visible to the public.
Counties participating in the exercise are Calhoun, Crawford,
Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Jersey, Lawrence,
Madison, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair,
Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson. In addition, the
cities of Carbondale, DuQuoin, Fairview Heights, Granite City
Metropolis and Mount Vernon, as well as 16 state agencies, two
federal agencies, six mutual aid organizations, three
nongovernmental organizations, 28 public health departments and 32
hospitals are taking part in the drill.
[Text from
Illinois Emergency Management
Agency file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
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