DAEGU GARRISON -- Imagine sitting at home relaxing, eating and enjoying time with friends and family. Then you hear a low rumble that gets louder and louder and your home begins to violently shake because of an earthquake.
For many years earthquakes were not considered a threat on the Korean Peninsula, but the last few months have changed that view.
Chilgok County Fire Station conducted a emergency rescue training exercise at Chilgok Patriots & Peace Memorial on November 25. The training focused on earthquake emergency response. A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province on September 12., United States Army Garrison Daegu Fire Department at Camp Carroll sent an aerial ladder truck to take part in the joint exercise. This was the most powerful earthquake in Korea in modern history. More than 18 related organizations, 270 participants and 30 vehicles including fire trucks and ambulances participated in this drill in order to prepare for fires, building collapses and other damage that might be caused by potential earthquakes.
"It was a great exercise. They showed really good community support and a lot of capabilities from their department and various departments had showed up and showed their support that they have in the community and everything that they are capable of," said Michael P. Diehl, fire chief of USAG Daegu Fire and Emergency Services.
The exercise assumed a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Chilgok County. The purpose of the drill was to check if there is any problem with the capabilities of situation notice, evacuation guidance for visitors, operation of command post and support groups, among other things. Personnel from the related organizations prepared for this drill with several rehearsals and meetings beginning November 4. to effectively deal with any contingencies that could happen from the disasters.
"Based on today's practice, we strengthened the organic cooperation system with related organizations and groups," said Lee, Ju-won, fire chief Chilgok County Fire Station. "We do our best to respond efficiently in real-time emergency situations."
"We set up the ladder truck on the access road and did fire protection from down there," said Diehl. "We were spraying up at the building."
When emergency occurs, USAG Daegu Fire Department will establish strategic action plan and increase capability with the related organization and perform assigned roles.
After the exercise, Mayor of Chilgok County Baek, Seon-ki gave closing remarks.
"Because the natural and artificial disasters are unpredictable, especially an earthquake, we should conduct exercises repeatedly and regularly so that we can respond urgent situation rapidly and recuse victims effectively," said Baek.
"By Gyeongju's earthquake on this September, South Korea is no longer safe from powerful earthquake's attack. Therefore, this training should be the part of our daily lives, not just a one-time event. Thank you very much for all who had join in today's exercise."
Professor Lee, Tae-keun, Kyungil University, was an evaluator for the exercise shared his thoughts about the training.
"Today's training went pretty well but there were some minor problems during the drill. I hope that we should minimize any kind of errors in real situation in the future," said Lee.
Earthquakes are now a threat for families in Korea. Please check your emergency preparedness kits and update your NEO books. For more information on emergency preparedness at Ready.gov.
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