Middlebury Participating in Statewide Emergency Drill

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced Wednesday that Middlebury will participate in a two-day statewide emergency preparedness drill designed to simulate a major ice storm in the western part of the state on June 20 and 22. 

Coordinated by the state’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the exercise is designed, among other things, to improve communication between the state’s utility companies and state and local governments during emergencies and to test the state’s mutual aid system, according to a release from the Governor’s office.

“We must always look to improve the way we respond to an emergency so that when disaster strikes, the state’s utility companies and every level of government have a clear mission and goal,” Malloy said.  “Storms and other emergencies are inevitable, but the more we all work together, the more we can limit the impact of those disasters so that aid reaches those most in need of help; roads, schools and businesses can re-open more quickly; and communities can return to normal sooner than might otherwise be possible.”

The two-day exercise will be segmented into two, one-day drills.  Each day’s drill is designed to test a specific, unique set of protocols dealing with the response to and recovery from the storm. The exercise is part of Malloy’s ongoing Emergency Preparedness and Planning Initiative (EPPI), which began in 2011, according to the release.

“This exercise continues our commitment to ensure that the people of Connecticut receive the timely, coordinated response they deserve when the next inevitable catastrophe hits,” Lt. Governor Wyman said.  “These two days will create a blueprint of how we can improve our preparation heading into the height of hurricane season.”

All participating municipalities will have key local officials and leaders meet at their local EOC to simulate preparedness, response, and recovery planning. Certain municipalities will exercise regional shelters in coordination with the Red Cross. Each DEMHS Region will be reviewing their Regional Emergency Support Plans and implementing them as needed during the exercise, according to the release.