A tabletop exercise Thursday helped prepare local agencies in the event of a hazardous material spill.
The exercise was organized by the Local Emergency Planning Committee and saw representatives from the Emporia Fire Department, Emporia Police, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Lyon County Emergency Management. LEPC is a major, behind the scenes entity involved in the preparedness process for any and all hazardous material leaks, as well as being responsible for reporting on businesses responsible for maintaining and transporting hazardous waste materials.
Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell says the exercise is meant to ensure all parties are on the same page.
Fell says hazardous spills are extremely rare, however, it is something that must be prepared for especially in terms of materials being transported on highways, railroads and city roads.
The four-hour planning exercise was held at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building. Representatives brought their agency or businesses current response plan and received input on how to best coordinate with emergency responders in the event a spill were to occur.
Organizations with representatives in attendance Thursday morning include:
City of Emporia
C.O.A.D.
Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness
Emporia Fire and EMS
Emporia Police Department
Emporia State University
Emporia State University Police
Fresenius Kidney Care
Flint Hills Community Health Center
Hand in Hand Hospice
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Holiday Resort
L-CAT
Ly County 911 Communications
Ly County Court Trustee/Public Information
Ly County Emergency Management
Ly County Extension
Ly County Sheriff’s Office
Tyson Fresh Meats
Newman Regional Health
Ly County Clerk/Public Information Officer
Lyon County Commission
Lyon County Road and Bridge
Presbyterian Manor
USD-253 Emporia Public Schools
Chase County Care and Rehab
