[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Office of Emergency Management: National Level Exercise - Update

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director 
(573) 874-7400


Office of Emergency Management: National Level Exercise - Update

COLUMBIA, MO (May 17, 2011) - The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been participating in the National Level Exercise being held the week of May 16-20, 2011.  The scenario included a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone on Monday, May 16th, at approximately 9:00 am.  This was followed by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake along the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone centered in Mt. Carmel, Illinois minutes later.   

"This exercise began on Monday morning and continued into Tuesday for us," says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "We simulated the activation of the Emergency Operations Center and the need for City, County and private sector entities to come together and actively coordinate our plans, decisions and actions based on the developing scenario to our southeast as well as locally. Our focus was on the response to the Columbia/Boone County community, those that would be coming into and through our area, as well how we could assist with those impacted to our southeast."

The exercise is being conducted in conjunction with the bicentennial year of the 1811 New Madrid earthquake.  In December 1811 and January 1812, there were an estimated five separate earthquakes in that region which are believed to be a magnitude 8.0 or higher. In addition, there were roughly 2,000 smaller tremors over the course of the following months. 

The Office of Emergency Management would like to thank the many departments and agencies that participated in the exercise, including City, County, Boone County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (BCARES), and the American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter.  In addition, the University Health Care and Landmark Hospital participated and were able to network with Boone Hospital Center and the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital during the exercise.  

The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management continues to encourage all citizens to be prepared for a possible earthquake as well as other disasters and emergencies. There are a number of publications available including those that address earthquakes. Links to that information can be found online at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.


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