6/29/13 Stevens County,MN Tornado Disaster Response Exercise

The Stevens County emergency services held a multi-agency Tornado disaster response and mitigation exercise on Saturday in the city of Donnelly just northwest of Morris MN. The exercise was well attended by over 130 participants and volunteers who put their skills to action in a real world scenario of a EF-3 tornado forming west of the town of Donnelly and tracking Northeastward through the towns northern and central quadrants damaging over 85% of the town and presenting multiple issues and challenges to the first responders and personnel who were first on the scene of this mock drill event. 

The exercise was attended by many agencies including local,county,state and federal entities. 

Nick and I also participated in the exercise and gave a opening severe weather spotter overview as well as a talk on the real world and mental aspects that those first on the scene of severe tornado damage may encounter.

Nick speaking to a crowd of over 130 participants in the Stevens county Minnesota Mock Tornado Disaster Response Exercise on Saturday.

Nick showing some recent storm photos of tornadic storms we have shot from the last few weeks.

A large crowd at the Donnelly City Hall with many of the real world scenario volunteers painted up and dirt and mud covered ready for the event to begin.

Local Stevens County First responders and Fire Fighters tend to the needs of tornado victims during the drill in Donnelly.

 
A injured citizen being cared for by Stevens counties finest responders including our friend, Justin Howe.

The Morris fire rig on state HWY 9 in Donnelly staging at the AG CO-OP as in a scenario of a HAZ-MAT chemical leak or release caused by the tornado in the damage track.

Donnelly Minnesota Town Marque.

Emergency responders taking things seriously in a real world tornado disaster drill exercise.

American Red Cross on the scene as well as the Stevens county mobile emergency communications and disaster response trailer at the command and control point outside of town.

Stevens County Sheriff's Office Mobile command center trailer in full use.

Stevens County ambulance service on the scene at the Temporary triage check point on the outside of the damage track.

A roll playing victim lay in the side of the street in Donnelly with a severe neck laceration and broken bones caused by the EF-3 tornado.

 
Morris and Hancock Fire Departments working together in helping aide a victim during the drill.

The Sheriff Posse lent a hand in traffic control around the perimeter of the exercise area during the drill. Steve Stock here pictured was one of the of those participating that day.

The Command Trailer.