Columbia County Emergency Services Holding Exercise Tuesday

(Portage) Authorities in Columbia County are notifying the public that its emergency services will be holding an exercise Tuesday.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office along with the Emergency Management Department, the Portage Police and Fire Departments, and the Portage School District have planned a countywide exercise to practice general emergency and hazmat responses. The goal is to also evaluate emergency planning, capabilities, and areas for improvement.

Officials ask the public to not be alarmed by multiple fire trucks, ambulances, police and sheriff’ office vehicles in the downtown Portage area as well as areas to the north along DeWitt Street and MacFarlane Road. They also note for those who monitor radio traffic to be aware that there will be simulated emergencies across the airwaves. Authorities noted that all participants will attempt to conclude radio traffic with “this is a drill.”

The drill is slated to begin at 6:30pm tonight and conclude by 9:30pm.