Fishers first responders train for tornado
FISHERS, Ind (WISH) – On a sunny day in Fishers, responders acted like it was the opposite to prepare for the worst.
“We’ve thrown a lot of things at Fishers today, and maybe it won’t be to that degree, but it could be and we want to be ready for the worst case scenario,” Fishers Fire Department Captain John Mehling said.
The worst case on display Tuesday: a tornado touching down on 106th Street near Interstate 69 and continuing its path for two miles.
“You like to think it’s always going to be in somebody else’s backyard, but the reality of it is it could happen in Fishers,” Mehling said.
The discussion did not involve responders actually going to the tornado path itself. “This component is a little bit different,” Mehling said. “This is about the management of the situation that’s going on. This is about making sure that we have the resources available for the firefighters in a timely fashion.”
This is the first time the city has hosted a drill like this.
The simulation Tuesday morning at city hall involved more than just local responders. A state team also trained in bringing relief.
“I don’t care how big of an agency you are, when you get hit with a natural disaster it literally sucks the life out of your agency,” Wayne Township Fire Department Captain Michael Pruitt said.
The drill lasted 10 hours. It challenged crews to develop plans to help neighbors, responders and what to do over the next 48 hours.
A simulation they say could make the difference if a disaster hits. “If something were to happen this evening, I would feel very comfortable after doing exercises like this that they now have the mindset that we know how to handle this and we know where to call for help if we need it,” Pruitt said.
If you’re interested in learning what you need to know to prepare for a tornado, click here.
