The Sleepy Eye Ambulance, Police and Fire Departments along with Sleepy Eye Medical Center held a disaster drill August 25. The purpose of the drill was to practice and gain insights into how the local community agencies would interact and deal with a hazardous materials incident.
The scenario involved a truck hauling an anhydrous ammonia tank that crashed near Prairieview Ball Park where a family picnic was being held. The tank was compromised, causing gas leakage which contaminated those at the park. The driver of the truck was injured in the crash.
“There was a lot learned during the planning phases as well as the implementation of this drill,” said Sleepy Eye Emergency Manager Shari Hittesdorf. “We feel all departments involved gained valuable knowledge and experience which will be used to improve our response protocols.”
Hittesdorf was appreciative of all the volunteers who acted as victims. “Without their help, the drill would not have been as effective,” she said. “The drill was a big success because of them and the first responders who took the training serious.”