Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program – Hazardous Materials Training Exercise

Members of the Southwest Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee and agencies served by the committee will participate in a public safety training exercise at the Cheney Brothers distribution center on Cheney Way and the former Jones Loop rest area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday.

 The exercise will be conducted in accordance with the Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program and will involve the simulated release of hazardous materials. There is no danger to the public.

 Agencies involved in the exercise include the Charlotte County Public Safety Department and Public Information Office, Charlotte County Citizens Emergency Response Team, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral Fire Department, Cheney Brothers, Charlotte County Airport Authority, Florida Highway Patrol, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Sarasota County Fire Department and the Port Charlotte Corps of the Salvation Army.

 There will no road closures and this event will not affect normal traffic in the area. Electronic signage in the vicinity will alert the public about the exercise.

 Staging areas will be set up at Cheney Brothers and the Jones Loop rest area to provide media access to the exercise. Members of the media who wish to cover the exercise are encouraged to contact Charlotte County Communications Manager Brian Gleason at 941-661-6415 or Brian.Gleason@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.