Windstorm Exercise 2018

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 21, 2018

Washington County to conduct windstorm exercise May 22

Washington County Emergency Management will lead a full-scale exercise from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 22 to test the multi-agency response to a major windstorm. This exercise will include 21 county, city, special district and private-sector partners including area healthcare facilities and utilities.

Exercise participants plan to test their current plans and procedures for quickly coordinating multi-agency response and recovery operations throughout Washington County. Areas of focus include removing debris, re-establishing emergency transportation routes, restoring electrical power and providing other services as needed.

"Our weather patterns can be unpredictable and dangerous," said Scott Porter, manager of Washington County Emergency Management. "This exercise is meant to give the participating agencies the chance to practice working together to ensure the safety of our community after a devastating storm. These exercises also serve to remind us of how important it is for each of our households to be prepared for disasters and emergencies."

Windstorms can occur with little warning and cause power outages and other disruptions due to falling trees, damage to buildings, disrupted transportation, Internet and telephone outages and flooding. Residents are encouraged to gather enough emergency supplies to feed and hydrate each family member for at least two weeks. Families should discuss ways to reconnect with one another after a large storm, pre-designate locations to meet if they cannot quickly return to their homes and make other arrangements.

More information about preparing for earthquakes and other natural disasters can be found at the Washington County Emergency Management website. Additional guidance can be found on state and federal websites.

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