Biohazard Emergency Drill on tap for Fort Wayne Post Office Wednesday at noon

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Multiple emergency organizations participating in a mock biohazard exercise Wednesday at the Fort Wayne Post Office on South Clinton Street Wednesday at noon.

Fort Wayne Fire and Police Departments, Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, Fort Wayne Community School Corporation, Allen County Emergency management Agency, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service simulated steps that the various agencies would take if a biohazard emergency happened during the processing of mail at the Post Office.

Crews responded as if anthrax was found inside a letter.  It was as much like the real-deal as possible.  Personnel suited up in Hazmat suits. 

About 100 volunteers were treated like they were exposed.  They went through a decontaminating shower first, then went to the Fort Wayne Allen County Department of Health to fill out forms and get antibiotics.

Donna Hoffman with the U.S. Postal Service said the drill is a way to be best prepared.

"The customers certainly have no concern," Hoffman said.  "But this is our drill with our employees so our local services all know how to work together should something happen.  We all know what our part is, our role, and to make sure things run smoothly and as effectively as we can."

The last biohazard drill of this kind in Fort Wayne took place in 2008.  Crews did one in South Bend in 2011.

Evaluators will put together a report by June 5 to review what needs to be done.