News Release Archive

Reclamation Tests Emergency Evacuation and Continuity of Operations Plan

Media Contact: Greg Gere, (701) 250-4242, ggere@gp.usbr.gov
Patience Hurley, phurley@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: September 10, 2004

If practice really makes perfect, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) should be more than prepared if an event were to occur and force Reclamation to evacuate its office building. Today, Reclamation tested its emergency evacuation procedures and continuity of operation plans with a mock bomb/anthrax threat exercise. In these types of exercises, worst-case scenarios are contemplated to better prepare for any level of emergency that could possibly occur. The purpose of emergency exercises is to help ensure appropriate notifications are made, to promote agency response and to provide an opportunity to evaluate emergency plans.

"It is vital to provide our employees with the opportunity to test response and coordination ability in the event of an actual evacuation or threat," said Reclamation's Dakotas Area Manager Dennis Breitzman.

The scenario involved a wide range of activities, including a simulation of a bomb threat, an anthrax threat, emergency evacuation of the facility and moving Reclamation operations to an alternate location. Throughout the drill, an evaluation team tested the readiness and spontaneity of Reclamation employees.

"It's important to recognize that some federal offices have actually had to implement their continuity of operation plans following building fires and other events, including 9/11, so 'exercising' them makes sense," said Breitzman.

In addition to its many responsibilities, Reclamation's Dakotas Area Office manages nine dams in North Dakota and South Dakota. Functional exercises are essential in ensuring the security of Reclamation facilities in both states. In staying with Reclamation's mission to manage, develop and protect water and related resources, the Dakotas Area Office will continue to conduct exercises of this nature.

For more information, contact Greg Gere at 701.250.4242 extension 3105, or 701.226.6679.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

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Dakotas Area Office