Preparedness training for large terrorist attack scheduled at YSU this week

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University will be the site of a large-scale emergency response exercise involving dozens of federal, state and local first-responders Tuesday and Thursday.

The training focuses on preparedness for a terrorist attack, possibly including weapons of mass destruction that involves mass casualties. There will be a significant presence of emergency vehicles and uniformed first-responders in two areas of campus on these days. The scenario could also include the landing of a helicopter on Harrison Field in Smoky Hollow.

The exercise will be restricted to two areas on campus:

Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Moser Hall, including Schwebel Auditorium; Lincoln Avenue on the south side of Moser Hall, between Fifth Avenue and Elm Street; and the F2 parking lot along Fifth Avenue next to Beeghly Hall. The exercise is expected to include up to 100 participants.

Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Three rooms in Bliss Hall; the parking lot along Audubon Street behind University Courtyard Apartments in Smoky Hollow; and Harrison Field in Smoky Hollow. There will be up to 50 participants.

The university will remain open, and business will be conducted as usual. This week is a break week before the start of summer semester classes.