TAMPA, Fla. — If you hear sirens, see an influx of police and fire rescue vehicles, or find roads closed in downtown Tampa on Wednesday, don't worry, it's only a test.
The City of Tampa is conducting a training exercise for responding to a full-scale emergency involving mass casualties. It's a drill in which the Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Rescue, and 25 other agencies will participate.
The drill will simulate an explosion at the Tampa Convention Center. Dozens of volunteers will have fake wounds applied and stand in for victims or bystanders. The simulation tests the response time and capabilities of police, rescue crews, EMTs, hospitals, and other agencies in the Tampa Bay area during a major active threat.
After the exercise ends, participants will then undergo training to coordinate a center to reunite families during an emergency at Port Tampa Bay Terminal 6.
Surrounding the Tampa Convention Center, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, the following road closures will be in effect:
- Franklin St closed southbound from Channelside Drive to Harbour Island Blvd Bridge beginning at 6:00 a.m.
- Franklin St closed northbound from Channelside Drive to Harbour Island Blvd Bridge beginning at 8:00 a.m.
- All lanes will reopen at 12:00 p.m.
"This exercise is crucial for our city. It prepares us to respond effectively to any worst-case scenario and ensures the safety of our community,” Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement. “I am proud of our city’s proactive approach and the commitment to readiness our police and fire personnel have in the face of unforeseen disasters.”