The disaster drill

I don’t know about you, but I was expecting “the largest disaster drill ever” to be a little more… shall we say, disruptive. Bridges roped off, frequent radio bulletins… something noticable to the general public. After all, I think one of the major problems in a disaster could be regular people freaking out, jamming the roads, clamoring for information and instructions. Maybe we’ll all go about our business as if nothing has happened, but wouldn’t it be wise for all of us to practice? If a radioactive bomb had blown up on the Steel Bridge yesterday, I sure would have wanted to know that maybe driving across town to pick up campaign contributions wouldn’t have been the best choice.

Instead, the exercise seems to be confined to Portland International Raceway and designated responders/volunteers. The Oregonian and Mercury Blogtown are covering it. And the rest of us carry on regardless, except that I know there’s a big exercise for the Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET) volunteers on Saturday.

Several weeks ago, I sent an email volunteering to help on The Salvation Army’s emergency response crew with this drill. When I checked with the organizer this Sunday, he hadn’t seen my message. He said they had been required to submit a list of names of prospective participants on Saturday, and that since my name wasn’t on it, I wouldn’t be allowed in. Apparently part of the drill is practicing for increased security, as well as dealing with the disaster. One of my friends is on the citizen observer panel, and was told he would not be allowed to carry his cell phone – I’m not sure if they don’t want volunteers chatting about Monday Night Football, or if they fear spies will leak vital information. When I stopped by City Hall this morning, I had to listen to a two-minute spiel that in the event of a real emergency, I wouldn’t be allowed in without photo ID and perhaps not even then. Sigh.

Well, apparently in practice, having a pre-approved list of people authorized to help at the disaster site doesn’t work too well (whoda thunk?). I received a call yesterday saying they need help serving meals and cleaning tables at the food tent (I think it’s a tent…. I hope there’s a tent….). So I am headed out there this afternoon. I’ll report as soon as I can. I’m glad I finally get to be part of the drill.