Local, state, federal agencies to participate in CSEPP exercise

More than a dozen local, state and federal agencies will be participating in the Pueblo Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) exercise Tuesday afternoon (5/6/14).

The annual event is designed to test participants’ response capabilities to two simulated emergencies, and to have that response effort federally evaluated.

Exercise related activity will be publicly visible at several locations in Pueblo. The majority of publicly visible activity will be in the southwest corner of Pueblo City Park (Pueblo Blvd. and Thatcher Ave.). There will also be activity at other sites, including the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot and Central High School. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office says the exercise may appear to be very realistic, but people should not be alarmed.

The exercise is scheduled to start around 3 p.m. and should finish around 8 p.m.

Agencies participating in the exercise include the American Red Cross, ACOVA, Colorado Department of Public Safety, Pueblo Animal Services, Pueblo Parks Department, the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, City of Pueblo Police and Fire Departments, Rye Fire Department, Pueblo West Fire Department, Pueblo Rural Fire Department, local hospitals and more.