Jackson County agencies to conduct full-scale tornado disaster exercise in Carbondale

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Emergency response agencies from across Jackson County will participate in a full-scale tornado disaster exercise June 9 designed to test and improve the community’s emergency response capabilities.

The Jackson County/Carbondale Tornado Response 26 exercise will simulate the aftermath of a powerful tornado affecting multiple areas on the southwest side of Carbondale.

Participants will include emergency management officials, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, public health officials, hospitals, public works departments, volunteer organizations and private-sector partners.

The exercise will evaluate emergency plans, communications systems, resource coordination, damage assessment procedures, shelter operations and decision-making among agencies during a large-scale disaster.

According to Jackson County Emergency Management Coordinator Orval Rowe, the training provides an opportunity for agencies to work together in a realistic environment and identify areas for improvement before an actual emergency occurs.

Residents may notice increased emergency vehicle traffic and personnel activity along Chautauqua Road within Carbondale city limits during the exercise. Officials emphasized that no actual emergency exists unless otherwise announced.

The exercise will include simulated structural damage, debris removal challenges and public information operations.