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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2005


CONTACT: Shawn Brant
Public Communications
(573) 874-7240

City and county participate in emergency training exercise at Emergency
Management Institute
									
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - A group of 70 emergency responders, local
government officials, medical personnel, school administrators,
community and business leaders, volunteer organizations and other
agencies involved with emergency operations completed a weeklong
emergency training exercise at the Emergency Management Institute in
Emmitsburg, Md., Feb. 14-18. The training exercise involved a real life
major disaster simulation.
	The Integrated Emergency Management Course builds awareness and
skills needed to develop and implement policies, plans and procedures to
protect life and property in the event of a disaster or emergency.
	The course was conducted by the FEMA Emergency Management
Institute and a team of instructors with extensive emergency management
experience and knowledge. Participants were involved in a scenario that
involved a major disaster simulating a tornado that hit the heart of
Columbia and Boone County
	"During this training opportunity, we tested our emergency
plans that were developed by emergency personnel, and I am pleased to
say the plans worked," said Presiding Boone County Commissioner Keith
Schnarre. "I am confident that our emergency management system is
prepared to effectively execute our plans to protect lives and property
in a real disaster."
	"This training exercise tested our ability to implement our
community's Emergency Operations Plan and meet the demands of a major
disaster affecting Columbia and Boone County," said Paula Hertwig
Hopkins, assistant city manager.  "The cooperation between
governmental entities, the business community, volunteer organizations
and others was a highlight of the week. We came together as a team and
were able to successfully solve problems presented in the exercise
scenario. We plan to take the lessons learned from this exercise and
make our plans even better."
	"The University of Missouri appreciated the opportunity to
participate in this important community activity and looks forward to
continuing to build on the excellent working relationships we enjoy with
the city, county and business leaders," said Lisa Wimmenauer,
associate director of administrative services, University of Missouri -
Columbia.
	Don Laird, president, Columbia Chamber of Commerce, added,
"The course enabled me to interact with many of the key providers
in Columbia and Boone County. I have a whole new appreciation for their
dedication and professionalism."
	The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management
coordinates disaster preparedness training and responses.

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