EPA, City of Bristol, Va. to Hold Emergency Drill Oct. 29-30

PHILADELPHIA - (October 28, 2009) -- The E.P.A. and the City of Bristol, Va., are sponsoring a two-day simulated emergency drill Oct. 29-30 to test local emergency response plans.

The exercise, which will include 50-100 participants each day, will focus on emergency responders responding to a simulated terrorist attack that could include weapons of mass destruction, illegal drug crimes and hostage situations. Controlled explosives and non-lethal training ammunition will be used during the exercise. The exercise will take place at 1000 Rhode Island Ave. in Bristol.

After the exercise is completed, evaluators and participants will review how well groups responded and prepare a report that outlines recommendations for future training, equipment needs, and response procedures.

Responders participating in the exercise include the Bristol Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department along with the Bristol life saving crew, regional HAZMAT team, Social Services Department and the Emergency Operations Center.

In addition, emergency responders from the Bristol, Tenn. police department and Mt. Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross will participate.

Simulated emergency drills are valuable training tools for 1st responder and help develop, sustain, and provide feedback on the proficiency in the tasks that make up critical emergency response operations. For more information on EPA's involvement with emergency response and cleanup activities, visit http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/er_cleanup.htm.

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