BLUE BELL AQUATIC CENTER HOSTS EMERGENCY DRILL

  

City of Brenham staff and local first responders had their training put to the test on Monday during an impromptu emergency drill at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center (BBAC).

The exercise consisted of smoke filling the Aquatic Center’s chemical room, creating toxic gases and activating the fire alarm system.

Unaware of the drill, the staff were expected to use the training and skills they had been taught in responding to unexpected events.  The purpose was to assess staff’s ability to be alert in those situations and expand their knowledge of threats to the Aquatic Center.  It also tested the abilities of first responders in reacting to incidents at the facility and of dispatchers in communicating with public safety agencies.

Aquatic Superintendent Tammy Jaster said staff “were excited to work with the various emergency entities to simulate a drill at the BBAC.”  She said it provided “an opportunity for our young lifeguard staff to experience what could really happen, how they would handle it, how they should handle it, and what to expect from other emergency responders coming to assist.”

Brenham Fire Department Assistant Chief/EMC Brian Scheffer said, “It was a pleasure to coordinate this drill and work with everyone for a successful outcome.”

The drill participants included BBAC staff, City of Brenham Maintenance Department, Brenham Fire Department, Brenham Police Department, Washington County EMS, Washington County Dispatch, Washington County Office of Emergency Management, and City of Brenham Emergency Management. 

Papa John’s provided pizza to the drill participants.