West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to Conduct Search and Rescue Exercise

​March 28, 2011

The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) in conjunction with the West Virginia Search and Rescue Council will be conducting “Operation Be Prepared,” a full-scale search and rescue exercise, on April 8 – 10, 2011. Citizens who witness an abnormal amount of air traffic and/or emergency vehicles over the course of this weekend should not be alarmed.

The exercise will involve hypothetical scenarios designed to simulate all facets of real life search and rescue missions. This includes the use of aircraft, ATV’s, ground search units, K-9 of all disciplines and various means of communication. Throughout the weekend a variety of capabilities will be tested including ground to air signaling, team preparedness and coordination, and communications equipment.

The event will be held at the Buckskin Reservation Boy Scout Camp and Dilley’s Mill in Pocahontas County and will include all West Virginia search teams, the Civil Air Patrol, West Virginia National Guard units and local and regional first responders.

Any emergency responders or groups who would like to participate should contact Bill Kershner with the DHSEM. This event is open to the media.

Contact: Heather Miles, 304-558-5380