Disaster Drill Planned in New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL -- Several emergency response organizations will participate in a drill to test the community's response to a "mass casualty crisis situation" on Saturday in New Lenox. The exercise will include a fictional large motor vehicle crash in the area of the Laraway Road Metra station, according to numerous agencies planned to be a part of the drill. While the crash will not be real the response will be "as realistic as possible," according to a news release.

"Emergency responders will simulate crash scene operations and may treat volunteers who are pretending to be victims," according to the release.

The area in which the exercise takes place will be clearly marked, according to officials, but wait times will be heightened near the train station during a portion of the exercise that's scheduled to go from 6:30 a.m. to noon.

"During the exercise mass notification systems may be utilized in order for their effectiveness to be evaluated. New Lenox residents may receive messages or hear messages delivered from public address systems in emergency vehicles. Any message that is delivered during the exercise will state that this is an exercise."

Participating agencies will be New Lenox, County, State and Metra police departments, local fire departments, emergency medical services, public works and emergency management. Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Silver Cross Hospital will also be involved.