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Earthquake Exercise to Test State, Local Preparedness

More than 100 Agencies, Organizations Involved in Three-Day Drill

SPRINGFIELD – More than 100 state and local agencies and emergency response organizations will participate in a three-day exercise to test plans for dealing with a catastrophic earthquake in Southern Illinois. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is coordinating the exercise, which begins Tuesday morning and will conclude Thursday afternoon.

“While we have considerable experience responding to the disasters we frequently face, such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards, a major earthquake would definitely present unique challenges,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “This exercise will give us an opportunity to test our earthquake plans and identify any issues we need to address to enhance our preparedness.”

Monken said the state’s earthquake exercise was originally planned to coincide with the federal National Level Exercise in mid-May. However, with the state of Illinois and several counties in Southern Illinois dealing with major flooding this spring, the state’s portion of the exercise was rescheduled for November.

While the scenario isn’t revealed prior to the exercise, participants know they will be tasked with implementing existing plans and procedures for dealing with a catastrophic earthquake occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, located in Southwestern Illinois. The exercise is a functional exercise, meaning most activity will occur inside emergency operations centers and other facilities and won’t be visible to the public.

Counties participating in the exercise include Calhoun, Crawford, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Jersey, Lawrence, Madison, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson. In addition, the cities of Carbondale, DuQuoin, Fairview Heights, Granite City Metropolis and Mt. Vernon, as well as 16 state agencies, two federal agencies, six mutual aid organizations, three non-governmental organizations, 28 public health departments and 32 hospitals are also taking part in the drill.