Amherstburg running training exercise for nuclear emergency
The Fire Department and Town employees have set up an Emergency Worker Center at the Libro Centre as part of a training exercise in the event of a nuclear emergency.
It took place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which time, most of the building was off-limits to the public.
The worker centre would be utilized during any local large-scale emergency, including a Nuclear Emergency at the Fermi II Plant.
The Emergency Worker Center will be activated in the event of a Nuclear Emergency and provide:
- radiation monitoring and decontamination of Emergency Workers and their vehicles
- radiation exposure control for Emergency Workers
- a staging and rest area for Emergency Workers and others who may have to enter the
Emergency Planning Zone that could be affected by an incident at Fermi II.
Municipal officials say Amherstburg’s emergency management program is always focused on preparedness and practice in case staff are ever called upon to serve the community during any type of emergency.
“Failing to practice is practicing to fail,” adds community emergency management coordinator and fire Chief Bruce Montone.
"Practice is very, very important when it comes to emergency response," Montone said.
"Part of our response to a nuclear emergency is setting up what they call an Emergency Worker Center, because there will be literally hundreds of responders, scientists and others that are going to come to Amherstburg to help us deal with the situation."
Montone explained the location is set up to protect them.
"With staff turnover, which occurs on an ongoing basis everywhere, we have some new staff that haven't experienced it, so this is good for them as well," says Montone.
He continued, "It's probably the single biggest fear that residents have in terms of emergencies, right? Not that anyone wants to experience any kind of emergency, but, a nuclear event is something that people worry about, so this helps us be better prepared."
Montone noted additional emergency centre training will continue in November, "If you fail to practice, then you're practicing to fail, and that's not an option."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
'Mayday!': New details emerge after Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Mirabel airport
New details suggest that there were communication issues between the pilots of a charter flight and the control tower at Montreal's Mirabel airport when a Boeing 737 made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
Class-action lawsuit on 'opioid-related wrongs': Court to rule on drug companies' appeal
Canada's top court will rule Friday on the appeal of a class-action lawsuit meant to recoup some of the costs associated with British Columbia's opioid crisis from major drug makers and distributors.
Real GDP per capita declines for 6th consecutive quarter, household savings rise
Statistics Canada says the economy grew at an annualized pace of one per cent during the third quarter, in line with economists' expectations.
Cucumbers sold in Ontario, other provinces recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A U.S. company is recalling cucumbers sold in Ontario and other Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
Nick Cannon says he's seeking help for narcissistic personality disorder
Nick Cannon has spoken out about his recent diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, saying 'I need help.'
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.