ROCK ISLAND, Illinois — Augustana College has cancelled their annual large-scale emergency drill after city partners dropped out due to threatening weather.
The college was working with local officials to practice what to do in the event of an emergency, but high winds and potentially dangerous incoming storms made responders think twice about participating, Keri Rursch, of Augustana’s Public Relations Department, said.
“Due to weather conditions, our city partners are not available to take part,” Rursch said in an email.
Augustana holds this drill every year. The scene would have simulated a hazmat leak, drawing a response from the Rock Island Fire Department and other agencies.
Originially, 7th Avenue would have been closed between 32nd Street and 38th Street beginning at 10 a.m. The road closure and drill was set to last until about 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of the original drill, the college will do a “small-scale table-top,” which will walk administrators through an emergency situation, Rursch said.
