Over 40 federal, state, and local organizations have mobilized at the Carowinds amusement park this week for a large-scale, three-day emergency training exercise designed to sharpen regional crisis response capabilities. The large-scale drill, which is not open to the public, runs from Tuesday, October 7th through Thursday, October 9th, with daily operations scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The training is a key component of the Charlotte Region Urban Area Security Initiative, a program focused on improving coordination across multi-agency and multi-state boundaries in the event of a major emergency.
Heavy Presence Expected
Residents near the amusement park and local hospitals are advised to expect a heavy presence of first responder personnel and vehicles throughout the three days. This includes a high volume of marked and unmarked vehicles, uniformed and plainclothes personnel, and the possibility of loud noises as various emergency scenarios are simulated.
In addition to the main activities at Carowinds, complementary simulations are taking place at area hospitals and medical facilities to test the full spectrum of emergency and medical response.
Agencies Participating
The exercise brings together a wide range of agencies to ensure seamless coordination during a real-world crisis. Participants include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD)
- Charlotte Fire Department
- Emergency Medical Services including MEDIC
- Hospital systems such as Atrium Health and Novant Health
- The U.S. Army’s 91st Civil Affairs Battalion
- Emergency management offices from multiple counties across North and South Carolina.
- Non-profit partners including the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon.
Officials state that the drill will help strengthen vital coordination among law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, hospitals, and social services agencies. The training is an essential step in preparing the Charlotte region to handle complex, large-scale incidents that require a unified, multi-jurisdictional response.
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