McLean County held a series of disaster exercises in September. This was a chance for emergency workers from different
agencies to work together, test procedures, communication between agencies and skills required if the real disaster did
happen.
There were table-top exercises held at elementary schools, Heartland Community College, and State Farm Insurance Company.
Hospitals were confronted with a large number of mock storm victims while Normal Fire Department disaster team responded to
a simulated accident at Illinois State University.
Emergency personnel from numerous departments responded to Heyworth on Saturday morning for their mock exercise of a
tornado hitting the high school and overturning a tanker truck with hazardous materials. Victims for this drill for high school
students and Boy Scouts. Medical helicopters responded from Peoria and Springfield along with McLean County Emergency
Management to participate this in this drill.
Leroy was part of the drill on Saturday afternoon with a mock tornado touch down requiring search and rescue rescue.
The American Red Cross provided drinks and meals for the disaster drills.
