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Government Agencies Test Emergency Planning in Piedras Negras, Coahuila

Release Date: 9/6/2002
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

Local, state and federal government agencies from the U.S. and Mexico conducted a drill today to test the emergency response plans for the sister cities of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila.

The drill demonstrated that plans, manpower and resources are in place on both sides of the border in the event of an emergency. Representatives from 20 U.S. federal agencies, six Mexican federal agencies, five state and local agencies, the Kickapoo Nation and Fort Duncan Medical Center participated.

After several days of training and a table-top exercise, the participants drilled in the field today. The scenario for the exercise involved a truck hypothetically spilling hazardous material in Piedras Negras. Personnel worked with emergency response vehicles and equipment to demonstrate they could react appropriately, cooperate and communicate with each other in the event of a real emergency.

Drills are an important part of an emergency responder's training. They help emergency responders identify plan aspects that need upgrading, adjustment or redesigned coordination before the plan is used to respond to a real emergency.

This drill was the fifth such event conducted at sister cities along the U.S.-Mexico border since September 2000. Each nation has made a sincere commitment to work together for the benefit of both countries in the event of a disaster along the U.S.-Mexico border.