By Matt Garfield
The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
Copyright 2006 McClatchy Newspapers Inc.
All Rights Reserved
A mock terrorism exercise involving soldiers from Fort Jackson and hundreds of emergency responders from around the state is planned for today in Rock Hill.
The drill, to be held in the Winthrop Coliseum and parts of the surrounding Winthrop Farm, will simulate a terrorist attack that includes the use of chemical or biological weapons.
While that description may sound scary, planners say there is no reason for alarm. No actual weapons will be used, no loud noises are expected and no streets will be closed to traffic.
Even though Eden Terrace and nearby roads will remain open, drivers may want to use Cherry Road to avoid delays, organizers say. Winthrop’s main campus is not involved in the exercise, and all classes and other activities will take place as normal.
The drill is not the first of its kind in York County. Such activities have become almost routine since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But the scope of equipment and personnel make this one unique. Part of the response will involve pulling out fake bodies, while soldiers from Fort Jackson play the role of injured victims.
“It’s a pretty big deal,” said Mike Channell, county emergency management coordinator. “We’ve done several exercises but nothing of this magnitude, with this many people involved.”
The Rock Hill police and fire departments, the York County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies taking part in the drill already have submitted scenarios on which to be tested. But one major test is the element of surprise - even the supervisors don’t know exactly what kinds of events they will face.
“We may go in and say, ‘We just captured the bad guy,’” said Cotton Howell, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management. “And the controllers are going to say, ‘He just escaped.’ All day long, they’ll be throwing complications at us.”
Some Rock Hill schools already alerted parents that some schools may go into lock-down mode as part of the exercise.
Vehicles and responders will arrive at the site by 7:30 a.m. and should wrap up their work by late afternoon.