AUSTIN, Texas—A simulated disaster drill that began at 1 p.m., Thursday (Oct. 17) at The University of Texas at Austin has been completed.
The drill outside the Rapoport Building on Speedway Street was held to test and strengthen the disaster preparedness procedures of the university and Austin area emergency response agencies. The drill brought together representatives from numerous campus, local, state and federal agencies.
Students and other volunteers from the Austin community played the role of victims of the simulated disaster. Several students also played the role of news media photographers and reporters.
Because drill coordinators were trying to create a sense of realism, some people on campus may have been emotionally affected by the scene, which included people wrapped in bandages simulating injuries. The Employee Assistance Program (471-3366) is available for consultation for faculty or staff members who found the drill especially disturbing. Students emotionally affected by the drill may contact the university’s Counseling and Mental Health Center at 471-3515 for consultation. A 24-hour telephone counseling service also is available at 471-2255.
University officials said the drill was designed to determine how well prepared area emergency response agencies are to deal with a major emergency in the Austin area and how their procedures and those of the university can be improved. The drill also provided an opportunity for the agencies to train together and establish stronger working relationships.
More information about the drill can be found at the Office of the Vice President for Employee and Campus Services Web site.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
