Mock derailment exercise to take place in Imlay City

Numerous emergency response agencies to take part in event

 

IMLAY CITY — The familiar sound of the train whistle and the roar of the train as it runs through town several times a day isn’t new to those who live here.

Running along with each train is a risk—however slight—of derailment.

In Lapeer County, train derailments are listed under the ‘Hazardous Materials Incidents-Transportation’ category in the Hazard Mitigation Plan, ranking number nine on a list of 20 potential hazards,” says Sarah Whaley, Lapeer County Emergency Management Coordinator.

That places derailments above snow and ice storms, structure fires, tornadoes, public health emergencies and other hazards both man-made and natural, Whaley adds.

In an effort to be prepared should a train derailment occur, Lapeer County Emergency Management is partnering with the Imlay City Police and Fire departments and CN Railway to host a mock train derailment exercise on Saturday, Sept. 28 near the Imlay City High School. McLaren Lapeer Region will also take part, exercising their decontamination capabilities.

Whaley says residents should expect to see a flurry of activity, and should not be frightened.

“There have been several major train derailments that have captured nationwide attention, including those of trains carrying hazardous materials,” Whaley says. “It’s put a renewed focus on rail safety not only nationwide, but locally. Multiple agencies will be working together to test the response plans of the departments, agencies and the county to prepare for if there was a freight train derailment in Lapeer County.”

Train derailments impact the communities involved in a number of ways, Whaley says, including traffic detours, potential hazardous materials release, fires, property damage, potential shelter-in-place or evacuation orders, economic impacts and more.

Along with Imlay City Police and Fire departments, fire departments from Almont, Goodland Twp., Attica Twp., Elba and Burlington will participate in the mock derailment exercise, as well as Imlay City Schools, the City of Imlay City, Lapeer County EMS, Lapeer County Central Dispatch, Lapeer County Health Department, Michigan State Police, the Salvation Army, McLaren Lapeer Region, and CN Railway. The event is coordinated by Lapeer County Emergency Management.

Visit www.michigan.gov/miready to learn more about planning, preparing and staying informed in the event of an actual emergency.

Receive CodeRED Emergency Alerts in Lapeer County by texting ‘Lapeer’ to 24639.

For more information call the Lapeer County Emergency Management office at 810-245-4762 or email swhaley@lapeercounty.org.