On Thursday, September 14, 2017, Emergency First Responders and community partners in Clay County will be conducting a community exercise in the north Moorhead country club area to test and practice many community preparedness efforts through the activation of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
Emergency Operation Centers are activated during significant incidents as a central command and control facility responsible for ensuring continuity of operation for field responders. EOC staff coordinate planning, preparedness, and response activities during incident involving a wide range of community partners depending on the type of incident. This year’s mock full-scale exercise selected to test community preparedness is a gas pipeline leak staged in north Moorhead. There are significant safety precautions and procedures in place that have provided for the safe transportation of gas across the country. This mock exercise will provide an excellent opportunity for community responders to become familiar with each other’s roles and responsibilities while confirming efforts to maximize public safety.
At 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, a CodeRed notification will be sent to registered community members around the Country Club Parkway area advising of the mock scenario that will impact their neighborhood until approximately 1:00 p.m. See map.
Media opportunities will be provided at 9:00 a.m. on Fairway Lane and 27 Avenue North for first responder footage. An 11:00 a.m. mock news conference will be conducted on the 3rd floor of the Clay County Courthouse to provide interviews explaining the exercise and the many benefits for emergency preparedness.
Simulated community emergencies are the best way to ensure not only a clear understanding of response procedures, but to provide the hands-on opportunity to confirm efficient operation.
Moorhead Police Department
Lieutenant Tory Jacobson
218.299.5117
