HAGERSTOWN, MD — Saying it is a “proactive effort to enhance emergency preparedness and interagency collaboration,” Washington County government has announced a multi-agency emergency drill along the C&O Canal later this month.
Dubbed a SAREX Drill (for Search and Rescue Exercise, the April 18th event will be held along the C&O Canal between Dam 3 and the town of Brunswick. The drill will involve multiple local and state agencies and aims to simulate response procedures “in the event of a hypothetical emergency scenario.”
Folks in the area that day will see helicopters, both State and Military, in the area from approximately 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
“All participating agencies play critical roles in ensuring public safety and managing emergencies within the region,” according to the announcement regarding the drill. “This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of these agencies to work together seamlessly in times of crisis.”
The drill will be centered around a flooding incident, providing an opportunity for each agency to test its protocols and coordination mechanisms.
“Residents and bystanders in the vicinity of Dam 3 to Brunswick may observe increased activity during the drill,” according to the announcement. “However, it is essential to note that this exercise is purely simulated, and there is no cause for alarm.”
The post from Washington County government provided a map with the locations involved in the drill:
“The safety and well-being of residents remain the top priority throughout the drill. All necessary precautions will be taken to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding communities,” according to the announcement.
Any emergency-related concerns during the drill period should be directed to the appropriate local authorities.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at [email protected].
