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Semi-truck vs. train mock disaster drill coming in 2 weeks to downtown Truckee

Sun staff report

TRUCKEE, Calif, and#8212; Numerous local agencies will soon participate in a disaster exercise that will simulate a significant hazardous materials spill after a semi tanker strikes a train in the downtown area.

The mock disaster will be the first time a full-scale decontamination system will be tested in the Truckee area with a large number of casualties.It takes place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, in the rail yard adjacent to Tahoe Truckee Lumber. Community members and Boy Scout troops have volunteered to be victims, according to a press release.

and#8220;We know no matter where an emergency in our region takes place or what type of emergency it is, the ability of local agencies to effectively coordinate their actions will be vital to a successful response,and#8221; said Tami Prior, drill coordinator and Tahoe Forest Health System representative. and#8220;This type of exercise is important to solidify not only each individual agency’s disaster plan, but how we all work together for the best possible outcome.and#8221;



The disaster drill has been in planning phases for weeks and#8212; prior to the real-life deadly Amtrak train crash that happened June 24 in the Nevada desert east of Reno that killed 6 people and injured many more.

Two new decontamination tents acquired through Hospital Preparedness Program grants will be set up and#8212; one at Tahoe Forest Hospital and the other at Incline Village Community Hospital, according to the press release.



Participating local agencies include: Truckee Fire; Truckee Police; the Placer County Eastern HazMat Team; Tahoe Forest Hospital; Incline Village Community Hospital; the town of Truckee; California Department of Public Health; Nevada County OES; Environmental Health; REMSA; Careflight; Red Cross; Truckee Dial-A-Ride; and Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District.

For information, contact Prior at Tahoe Forest Health System at 530-582-6662.


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