Cardston County Regional Emergency Management Agency Conducts Functional Exercise to Build Capacity

On October 24, 2024, the Cardston County Regional Emergency Management Agency (CCREMA), comprising the municipalities of Cardston County, Town of Cardston, Town of Magrath, Village of Glenwood, and Village of Hill Spring, successfully conducted a functional exercise simulating a major emergency scenario. This exercise was designed to test the region's preparedness and enhance coordination of emergency responses across multiple municipalities in a large-scale emergency.

Key personnel from each municipality, including first responders, emergency management teams, support services, and community agencies, participated in the exercise. They worked through a dynamic scenario involving a fast-moving fire threatening multiple communities within the region. The simulation aimed to assess response capabilities, strengthen communication protocols, and identify areas for improvement to ensure public safety during real emergencies.

“Our priority is to be prepared for any emergency that may arise," said Marian Carlson, Regional Director of Emergency Management for CCREMA. "This exercise allowed us to refine our response strategies, improve intermunicipal collaboration, and ensure we can act quickly and effectively in a real-world situation. The dedication and teamwork displayed by all participants today have given us confidence in our ability to protect our communities."

The exercise tested several critical elements of emergency response, including:

• Evacuation Protocols: Ensuring residents are evacuated safely and efficiently.
• Resource Management: Coordinating the deployment of firefighting equipment and personnel across jurisdictions.
• Communication Systems: Enhancing the flow of information between municipalities, first responders, and the public.
• Incident Command Structure: Evaluating decision-making processes and leadership roles during a regional emergency.

The Cardston County Regional Emergency Management Agency is a new partnership recognizing that large-scale emergencies are unlikely to impact just one municipality. The regional partnership aims to build resilience and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. These efforts align with each community’s ongoing initiative to strengthen response capabilities for natural disasters and emergencies, including fires, floods, and other hazards.

"Preparedness is key to mitigating the impact of emergencies, and today’s exercise is a critical step in ensuring our emergency plans are robust," said Cardston County Reeve Randy Bullock. "We are grateful to all the municipalities and organizations involved for their commitment to protecting our communities."

Lessons learned from this exercise will be used to further improve emergency response plans and protocols across the region.