The City of Lewisville has scheduled a full-scale exercise to test emergency preparedness soon, right in the city’s downtown.
The simulation will take place in real time, and is designed to help improve responses to emergencies. The exercise will provide a hands-on scenario to help maximize coordination among agencies, improve the effectiveness of the response to the situation, and improve interoperability—the ability of all parts of a system to work together effectively.
A number of city departments – including special events, community relations, neighborhood services, parks and recreation, public services, emergency medical services, fire, and police – will be involved, as will partner agencies.
During the simulation, visitors to the downtown, as well as residents, might notice out-of-the-ordinary activity taking place. These unusual occurrences include closing the stretch of Church Street between Charles Street and Mill Street, as well as shutting down the section of Walters Street between Charles and Mill Streets.
They are also likely to hear loud noises and see a large number of emergency vehicles, as well as more pedestrian traffic. They may even find themselves face-to-face with a pretend victim wearing realistic-looking theatrical make-up. Organizers of simulations like this can use poster printing to designate specific areas where participants should meet.
The “emergency” will be held Friday, March 22, from 8:00 am until 12.00 noon, outside Lewisville’s City Hall, which is on Church Street. Another part of the exercise will be held in Wayne Ferguson Plaza, also on Church Street. Over 200 people will be involved in total.