Tenn. National Guard announces upcoming emergency drill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee National Guard will hold an emergency drill early next week and wants to make sure you’re aware before you think the worst.

The Tennessee National Guard held a briefing for the media Wednesday. “We’re just trying to let everybody know what’s going to transpire next week so the local citizens are not concerned about the military and the emergency management operations that are unfolding during those three days,” Col. Andy Trautman said.

June 20 through June 23, emergency agencies will be simulating an action plan in case of a catastrophic earthquake, focusing on the New Madrid Fault Line that runs along the Mississippi River.

“When bridges and overpasses are potentially down, ground transportation could come to a crawl,” Col. Trautman said. “What you have to do is you have to have an air head so that you can bring immediately response forces and food, water, medical needs into the impacted area.”

The most noticeable part of the exercise will be the helicopters flying and military police companies driving the potential supply routes, and the National Guard wants to make sure you are aware.

“We will have communication assets from different partners, TEMA, emergency management of Shelby County, coming together to partner to get to see how to communicate — how we can let the world know what we need and move forward from there,” Sr. Master Sgt. Daniel McMahon said.

“You don’t think about a large earthquake happening, but the reality is, if it does happen, it’s too late at that point to get those things you need for essential life support,” Col. Trautman said.

The National Guard holds drills annually but has spent more time preparing for this exercise due to its size and scope.