The beginning steps of planning a full scale emergency exercise in Washington County are underway.

Friday the Washington County Preparedness Consortium met and began to consider possible scenarios for the drill. Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen shared some options include an epidemic, school shooting, chemical spill, school bus versus anhydrous tanker, or a train derailment.In the drill multiple agencies in the county from ambulance services to public health and county roads would be included. Dr. Carlyn Christensen-Szalinski of the University of Iowa spoke to the consortium about including pediatric patients in such exercises to help entities prepare for pediatric cases. The consortium will continue planning specifics in the coming months. The drill is slated to be held next August.