Texas Authorities to Conduct a Disaster Drill this Week

June 08--A large scale disaster drill is being planned for Wednesday at a busy highway intersection near the Boles Independent School District.

Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks announced his office, in partnership with Hunt Regional Healthcare and the Boles ISD, will be conducting a training exercise near the area of State Highway 34 and FM 2101.

"I want to make the public aware of the extra emergency personnel in the area so they will not need to call 911 if they suspect something has happened on the Boles I.S.D. campus," Meeks said.

The drill will involve multiple police, fire and EMS vehicles and personnel traveling into and out of this area simulating a specific type of disaster scenario.

"I would like the citizens of Hunt County to be aware of this and use caution while traveling on State Highway 34," Meeks said. "On this date there will be an extra influx of emergency vehicles entering into and off of FM 2101 simulating response to this training scenario."

During the afternoon hours a portion of FM 2101 -- from State Highway 34 to approximately five miles north -- will be closed to all non-emergency traffic.

"I have always stated in the past that training of our personnel is critical in how we serve and protect the citizens of Hunt County," Meeks said. "This particular training is extremely important not only for the sheriff's Office but all the various emergency entities we work alongside each and every day. Rest assured, this exercise will not affect any real calls for service from any of the agencies involved."

Meeks issued the notice to both alert the public and ask motorists to avoid the area if possible during the afternoon hours.

Copyright 2014 - The Herald Banner, Greenville, Texas.