DAHLGREN – What would happen if an act of agriterrorism was reported at a working commercial farm?

According to a press release from MABAS District 47, members from multiple different agencies comprising disciplines such as fire, medical, law enforcement, emergency management and Illinois National Guard as well as a local commercial farm will come together to find out as that very scenario is put to the test at Rubenacker Farms in Dahlgren.

This will involve grain bin rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials release, and a large-scale water operation as part the exercise.

The objectives of this exercise include evaluating local and regional emergency response along with public safety coordination and law enforcement response to the event that an act of agriterrorism occurs at a commercial farm. The exercise starts Friday afternoon and will conclude Saturday afternoon. During this time the public should expect to see increased activity of emergency vehicles along Highway 242.

Participating organizations include but are not limited to MABAS Divisions 47, 52 and 68; MABAS Illinois, Multiple Public Safety Answering Points (911 Centers), Multiple Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and State Agencies.