Live Disaster Drills Being Held Across Burlington County Thursday

MOORESTOWN, NJ — First responders and health officials will hold live disaster drills on Thursday at multiple facilities throughout Burlington County.

The actions will simulate a County-response to an explosion with the spread of radioactive materials.

Dubbed "Operation Glow Worm," the activities will be carried out from 8 to 11 a.m., the County said, at the following locations:

• Virtua Hospital (Mount Holly)
• Virtua Willingboro
• Virtua Marlton
• Cooper University Health Care Moorestown Campus at the Moorestown Mall
• Capital Health Satellite Emergency Department at Deborah Heart and Lung Center (Pemberton Township)

Officials with the Burlington County Health Department, Burlington County Emergency Management, New Jersey Emergency Management, and other Burlington County departments will practice and evaluate plans surrounding the large-scale disaster.

A "noticeable" emergency crew presence can be anticipated outside the Deborah facility, where staff and emergency crews will simulate radiation exposure and decontamination efforts.

The facilities listed will operate as normal during the drills, officials said.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Burlington County Health Department at (609) 265-5548.

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