The Wood County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be hosting its annual hazardous materials exercise next week in Bowling Green.
The LEPC is required by Ohio law to conduct a hazardous materials exercise once every year. This year, the LEPC will conduct a full-scale exercise from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, along the railroad tracks in Bowling Green.
As a result, Pike Street, from North Enterprise to Thurstin Avenue, will be closed for the duration of the exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to practice emergency response and protective action procedures in the City of Bowling Green.
The Wood County LEPC will be simulating a potential hazardous materials situation warranting a response from first responders. This exercise will take place out of the roadway to minimize disruption to those living and working in the area and for the safety of those participating.
The simulation will take place primarily on the property of Bowling Green State University in parking lots three and four. The public will also see exercise activity in the immediate vicinity, including near the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Wood County Hospital and at Mercy-Perrysburg ER in Perrysburg.
Members of the public can expect to see smoke and a large response presence near and on the BGSU campus. Along with simulated smoke, community members can expect to hear emergency sirens and see personnel in hazmat suits and various first responders in uniform.
In addition, the Bowen-Thompson Student Union will be the site for briefings before and after the exercise, and several rooms will be utilized for American Red Cross sheltering scenarios. This is only an exercise and will not pose any threats to the public.
This event will take place in coordination with the City of Bowling Green, Bowling Green Fire Division, Bowling Green Police Division, Bowling Green State University, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross and Mercy-Perrysburg Hospital. Several other departments and agencies will also be participating in this exercise.
If you have any questions or concerns about this exercise, contact the Wood County LEPC/EMA at 419-354-9269 or by emailing woodcountyema@woodcountyohio.gov
