SEVERAL AGENCIES CONDUCTING SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE IN BRAZOS VALLEY WEDNESDAY

  

Residents may notice large numbers of first responders and helicopters around the region today (Wednesday).

The Texas Military Department is partnering with Texas A&M Task Force 1, DPS and numerous other state, federal and military agencies to conduct a large-scale aviation search and rescue exercise in the Brazos Valley.

According to a release from DPS, the exercise will include multiple flights from military and civilian rescue helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and groups of exercise “victims” needing to be rescued by helicopter.  The training allows state, federal and local government Search and Rescue aviation the opportunity to develop better mechanisms for coordination during a hurricane or natural disaster.

The exercise will take place at locations including Easterwood Airport, Lake Bryan, the eastern portion of Lake Somerville and portions of the Brazos River near River Place and Koppe Bridge Road.  While the exercise is scheduled to primarily take place during the day, some locations will conduct nighttime exercises.

Citizens can expect an increase of helicopters and first responder traffic throughout the week, with the largest presence today.  They should not be alarmed, as it is part of the exercise.  The Texas Division of Emergency Management will be on site.