On August 18th, the Tillamook County Local Emergency Planning Council (LEPC) hosted an exercise designed to test and refine their Emergency Response Guide (ERG). The purpose, as the Tillamook County Emergency Manager pointed out, is to "refine the Tillamook County LEPC ERG and bring in various partners to practice their outlined roles and responsibilities as listed in the plan".
Over 30 individuals from 16 different organizations including local and state government bodies, private industry partners, and volunteer groups gathered to participate in this tabletop exercise. They tackled a simulated hazardous materials spill, involving airborne dangers and potential waterway contamination. Despite the hypothetical nature of the scenario, the drill was an earnest effort to prepare for real-world incidents. A local City Manager, partaking in the exercise, mentioned, "It got me thinking about the need for public rally points and overall public messaging the City Government may need to implement during this type of a scenario".
Significant was the participation of the Tillamook Creamery, not just a staple in the local economy, but potentially a site where such an emergency might occur. "It was really great to hear the perspectives, opinions, and resources from other organizations that would be involved in this type of a response," a representative from the creamery told the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Such cross-sector collaboration is key in fostering an integrated response between businesses and emergency services.
Neighboring Columbia County also showed interest, sending their own emergency staff to observe. Their presence underlines a regional investment in shared knowledge and preparedness strategies. "We wanted to learn more about the Tillamook County LEPC capabilities and expectations for responding to a hazardous materials incident," Columbia County Emergency Management Director Corey Pardon observed.
This proactive engagement was made possible through the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant, facilitated by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. With it, the Tillamook County LEPC was able not only to hold this exercise but also to plan for the future. Following the exercise, an After-Action Report (AAR) will be developed to further refine their ERG in anticipation of a full-scale exercise scheduled for 2026.
