Emergency Preparedness Put to the Test

Emergency Preparedness Put to the Test

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Town of Vegreville, County of Minburn, and the Villages of Innisfree and Mannville participated in a joint regional emergency management exercise on April 7.

The training exercise was conducted by Bolt From The Blue Management with approximately 25 municipal personnel and volunteers in attendance. Emergency Management Specialist Anne Danielson said, “The exercise was an opportunity to practice activation of the new regional emergency management plans and regional incident command post.

The exercise scenario was created with input and expertise from CN and included a train derailment and evacuation in the County of Minburn that also affected the Village of Mannville and required support from the Town of Vegreville and Village of Innisfree in the provision of staff and services.

Emergency exercise in progress.

(Anne Danielson/Submitted Photo)

Participants were presented with the scenario and provided inputs or challenges throughout the exercise that they may have to address, resolve and plan for in the event of a real emergency. This is the behind-the-scenes coordination which happens in large disasters in order to ensure the boots on the ground response is as safe and effective as possible.

The exercise provided personnel an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their assigned roles and positions coordinating a large disaster response. The EastCentral Alberta Emergency Management Agency Field Officer John Lamb also attended to provide support and expertise.

It was a very successful exercise with attendees working closely together to resolve challenges in relation to the disaster scenario throughout the day and ultimately creating a plan for a successful proactive response.

For many of the personnel participating it was the first time they had worked together. But the regional team never missed a beat, regardless of the challenges the exercise presented. The professionalism and communication between all exercise participants was truly impressive! The region is incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated personnel willing to step up and assist when most needed.