Wimberley ISD Will Host First Responders In Mock Emergency Response Drill

Wimberley, Texas – Wimberley High School will be the site of a lot of excitement and activity on Monday, November 25, from 9 to 11 AM as first responders from the Hays County Emergency Preparedness/Office of Emergency Services conducts a critical counter-measure anthrax exercise.

There will be about 50 volunteers and responder vehicles at the high school.

“The value of these exercises is to ensure we can maintain continuity of operations of our county, protecting the health, safety and welfare of all our citizens,“ said Mike Jones, Coordinator, Hays County Emergency Preparedness/Offices of Emergency Services. 

Community members are invited to participate in the drill by driving through the staged area. The first responders will then follow procedures that would assure an immediate and effective response for each person coming for help.

The participants will fall under three categories, including those under no immediate danger, others exhibiting symptoms of reaction or people just expressing concerns.

The scenario mock responses will include three scenarios—providing them with a screening form and sending them on their way, moving the participants to a triage area, or moving them to a counseling and information area.

“Since this is a mock drill, we will reward participants with candy once they drive through and complete the drill,” said Jones.

Individuals who want to participate in the drill should arrive by 9 a.m. for just-in-time training. The exercise portion will begin at 10 a.m. First responders will line the high school entrance with cones, guiding participants to the first stop, then directing them to the next steps.

In the event of an aerosolized anthrax incident, Hays County Emergency Preparedness/Office of Emergency Services would deploy this response in partnership with Wimberley Fire Department, EMS and Hays County Constables and all first-responding agencies.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), made up of county volunteers will be assisting with the drill at the high school. This important volunteer force expands the capacity of county first-responders by being ready and engaged in the case of a crisis or emergency.

WHS is among the six locations in Hays County that are potential locations for countermeasures. Dripping Springs, Lehman, Hays, San Marcos and Johnson high schools are among the other locations.

These same locations are open and ready for engagement in case of any emergency or natural disaster. The same process would be initiated for distributing water, blankets or food.

For more information about the mock drill, Hays County Emergency Preparedness/Office of Emergency Services or CERT, please contact Jones at 512-618-0302 or mike.jones@co.hays.tx.us.