Emergency leaders train in mock disasters

By HEATHER RUPPE

Emergency response crews from across the state and the county came together last week to respond to what would have been a likely emergency; in a mock emergency, crews were told that a train derailed into the Edisto River, creating fuel and oil leaks and the need to evacuate some Colleton County residents from the area.

This was only a drill, but it is an emergency that could happen in Colleton. Therefore, Colleton County Fire-Rescue and officials from the county’s Emergency Management Division participated in a statewide exercise that helps emergency response officials to prepare for likely emergencies.

These drills are conducted annually. During the week-long training event held last week, a different disaster was created each day.

On Tuesday, the emergency was a mock train derailment into the Edisto River. This required local HazMat response. The entire scenario occurred at the West Bank Landing in Jacksonboro and included about 45 people, including personnel from the S.C. Emergency Management Division, Colleton County Fire-Rescue, CSX Railroad and Hepaco, who joined together for this training exercise.

“Responders were divided into three groups, with each group rotating through the three scenarios, River Rescue, HazMat leak mitigation and software/reference ID for the leaking materials,” said Colleton County Fire-Rescue Chief Barry McRoy.

On Wednesday, a mock flood was created. This time, the county’s recreation center was the point of origin.

On Thursday, the flooding event continued, with crews responding to what was reported as power outages and a need for public assistance.

More events were held across the state on Friday and Saturday.