Earthquake Preparedness
05 20 11

Submitted Photo

Thursday morning, Chillicothe was one of three communities (along with St. Joseph and Maryville) in Region H to participate in statewide SEMA earthquake drills by opening an active Emergency Operations Center. Each community simulated providing transport, medical care, and shelter to wounded residents of south Missouri, if they were to be displaced by an actual earthquake. Region H would more likely experience the effects of an influx of evacuees during an earthquake situation, rather than major physical damage, based upon location. The meeting was held at the Chillicothe Comfort Inn. The group, which was represented by Chillicothe Emergency Services; the County Commission; the City of Chillicothe; County Health Departments from Daviess, Caldwell and Livingston counties; the St. Joseph Red Cross and Hedrick Medical Center received instructions from Buchanan County about the details of the simulation, and then responded with actual answers about our local resources.