This is a test. It is only a test.
On Sunday morning, you may see what looks just like an accident near the Lansdale Train Station and SEPTA Parking Garage. But, it isn’t real. Do not be alarmed.
The Fairmount Fire
Company will be practicing for a true emergency, as the Sunday simulation
will allow them to test their emergency response systems and training.
“The Fairmount Fire Co. is sponsoring a simulated SEPTA train emergency on Sunday, May 16,” said
RJ Snyder, assistant chief of the company. The staged “emergency” is scheduled
to run from 7 a.m. to approximately noon.
“The exercise is to improve the emergency response capabilities and knowledge of our fire, police, and EMS in the North Penn Area,” said Snyder.
The simulation may appear as an “accident,” but the drill is no accident at all. Instead, it takes a massive amount of planning and coordination to pull it all off.
“This exercise is the culmination of planning that has taken place over the past year, that included both classroom and hands-on training, as well as multiple planning meetings and a tabletop exercise,” said Snyder.
Borough Manager John Ernst announced the drill in late April, according to a Lansdale Reporter article.
“Members of the Fairmount Fire Company, along with our regional emergency service organizations, will participate in a full-scale SEPTA disaster drill,” Ernst said to The Reporter.
The borough said such preparation is crucial. In a recent press release, the borough announced the drill, noting its importance.
“While we never anticipate a catastrophe happening, preparation is paramount in such situations,” said the Lansdale Borough release. “If you hear sirens and see multiple emergency vehicles in the area, there is no need to panic, as this is all part of the exercise.”
Fairmount won’t be alone in the drill.
“The Fairmount, Colmar, Towamencin, and Montgomery Township fire companies, along with the Lansdale Police Department and Volunteer Medical Service Corps, will be dispatched to a ‘train accident’ at the railroad crossing, near the Lansdale train station and parking garage,” Ernst told The Reporter.
The borough’s release announced that usual SEPTA train transportation should not be impacted.
“Train service will not be affected, but [the] boarding of all trains will be on the outer platform area across from the ticket office,” said the release.
North Penn Now photographer Bob Kelly will be on scene at the event. Stay tuned in to the site for more photos and information.
See also:
Fairmount Fire Company Seeks To Recruit Daytime Volunteers
Local Volunteer Fire Companies Struggle To Recruit, Fundraise As Pandemic Rages On
Lansdale Borough Takes Community Approach To Policing
Lansdale Police Hold 2nd Annual Recognition and Awards Ceremony
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale Borough Hires Rick Lesniak as EMC
