ARLINGTON — More than 300 people and dozens of emergency agencies plan to participate in what is likely the biggest disaster drill ever staged in Snohomish County.
After 10 months of planning, “Shake, Rattle and Roll 2011” is set for Wednesday at Arlington’s municipal airport. The disaster e
xercise scenario is a 7.5 magnitude earthquake along the South Whidbey Fault, which runs through Snohomish County.
Those on the scene will include Medical Reserve Corps and community volunteers from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island and Snohomish counties; representatives from nine hospitals; city, county and state emergency managers; the Arlington Fire Department, the 10th Civil Support Team from Joint Base Fort Lewis-McCord, helicopters from Airlift NW, volunteer radio operators and a slew of private ambulance companies.
The exercise will test the ability of “earthquake-damaged” hospitals in Snohomish County to communicate and coordinate disaster services, deal with huge crowds of injured people and evacuate acute-care patients to other hospitals, such as those in Skagit County. In addition, other “victims” from the earthquake exercise will find their way to local clinics to receive immediate care.
Arlington emergency management coordinator Chris Badger said the set-up of portable medical facilities at the airport will offer challenges to the collaboration of multiple agencies and groups.
“Especially in the wake of the recent devastation in Japan, this is a very important exercise,” Badger said. “It will help us become better aware of our capabilities and help us be better prepared for what happens after a disaster.”
Most people near the airport won’t notice anything out of the ordinary except multiple helicopter landings throughout the day, Badger said.
In addition, some extra disaster training is set to take place Wednesday morning in downtown Arlington, she said.
City officials are asking for help from business owners and citizens who are willing to participate in a damage assessment exercise.
A 7.5 earthquake probably would damage the older buildings in the downtown area, said city administrator Allen Johnson. People can help make the training for city employees more “real” by posting placards that simulate damage outside of their businesses and homes, he said.
“This routine practice will help when the real earthquake happens,” Johnson said.
Once the damage assessments are reported, city leaders can prioritize how to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people with the resources they have on hand, he said.
Those willing to participate are asked to call 360-403-3441 or email cbadger@arlingtonwa.gov. A set of damage signs will be delivered to them.
“Having citizens and businesses participate with the city on emergency preparedness benefits everyone,” said Mayor Margaret Larson. “Together with our partners we are working to become a more disaster-resilient community.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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