2024 Regional Lahar Evacuation Drill

Mt Rainier-iStock-1207763424
  1. Kirstin Hofmann

    Emergency Manager

Summary

The East Pierce Interlocal Coalition Emergency Management Team, surrounding school districts (Puyallup, Sumner-Bonney Lake, Orting, White River, Carbonado), and partners are coordinating a full-scale lahar evacuation drill. The drill is designed to test and improve the ability to evacuate students and staff in the event of an incoming lahar from Mount Rainier. The exercise is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024. All plans and procedures emphasize the safety of participants.

During the exercise, the City of Puyallup Emergency Operations Center will be activated to assure the safe movement of students and staff from over 20 facilities, receive communications from the field, and coordinate resources with multiple partners.

Exercise Objectives

1. Provide for the safety and accountability of all participants and responders throughout the exercise.

2. Evacuate all participating schools (students and staff), as well as participating jurisdiction staff, on foot to their designated assembly areas.

3. Maintain traffic control and safe travels for all students, school staff, and participating jurisdiction staff.

4. Utilize small-unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) to monitor the evacuation and movement of students and staff to their designated assembly areas.