Massive Simulation Of Severe Weather Event Held For Montco Responders

UPPER DUBLIN, PA — First responders performed a complex drill in Montgomery County recently that simulated the fallout from a severe weather event.

The drill took place at the Allied Recycling Center in Upper Dublin and involved a building collapse and a search and rescue for several missing people.

"This was an invaluable opportunity to operate on real, unstable rubble piles, composed of both natural materials (mulch, branches, vegetation) and manmade construction debris (concrete, rebar, stone, etc.)," the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety shared in a statement.

Volunteer victims were hidden throughout the complex, along with fake body parts and various debris, requiring first responders to climb piles and investigate enormous piles of machinery in their search.

Crews also used county search dogs, Surf and Lana, to assist their hunt.

The Montgomery County Urban Search & Rescue Team, Fort Washington Fire Company, and Upper Dublin Township Office of Emergency Management organized the event.