WVU Parkersburg to be site of large-scale emergency drill Tuesday, March 25, 2008.

Media Advisory
Emergency Drill
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
5 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2008
(Media should report by 4:30 p.m.)

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will be the location of a large-scale, multi-agency exercise regarding an emergency “scenario” on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. 

Purpose of the exercise is to evaluate the effectiveness of the college’s emergency procedures and the response, rescue, mitigation and recovery of an emergency event in an educational facility by area emergency responders.

The exercise will be a staged scenario modeled after actual events that have occurred at or around educational facilities.

WVU Parkersburg students and faculty will be on spring break and will not be on campus.  College staff have been notified regarding the drill.

Participating organizations will include Wood County Emergency Services, Wood County Sheriff’s Office (SWAT team), Parkersburg Police (SWAT team), Vienna Police (SWAT team), West Virginia State Police and select WVU Parkersburg students/staff who will be assisting in staging the scenario.  Also involved will be various volunteer fire department units, including East Wood, Mineral Wells, Lubeck, Waverly, Blennerhassett and Deerwalk.

Media interested in observing the exercise are asked to report to the Cedar Grove Community Building (which is on Route 47 past the college) no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 25. 

(WVU Parkersburg is located one mile east of the I-77 interchange on the outskirts of Parkersburg.  Take the Staunton Avenue exit (#174) onto Route 47.)

Media inquiries should be directed to Connie Dziagwa at the college, 304-424-8203 (cell: 304-483-5650).

03/19/08