The Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is planning a Hazardous Materials exercise on Monday October 31, 2011
This will be a “Zombie Exercise” happening on Halloween. The victims once exposed to a chemical will be turned into a zombie. Zombies will have to go through decontamination to be turned back to normal. We will be testing our first responders with approximately 250 Zombie Victims versus the 20-25 volunteers that assist for normal hazardous materials exercises.
To add to the fun (and the reality), if a First Responder comes in contact with the spilled chemical or a zombie while not wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment, they too will be turned into a zombie and will have to go through decontamination. This exercise will run from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM and we plan to have everything wrapped up by 4:00 PM.
Zombies
We are looking for 250 volunteers to play the part of zombies for this exercise. Volunteers will need to fill out and bring a signed release form. The age limit for these volunteers will be 8 yrs. and up. Children wishing to participate will need their parent’s signature on the release form as well as their parent(s)’ participation in the event. We are asking that as many as possible already come made up in their costume and make up. We will have someone available to assist those in need with their make up. Please come at 10:00 if you need help with your make up.
All costumes must be in good taste. We know you want to be the best of the living dead, but we will have 8 yr old children present. Additionally, zombies will go through a simulated decontamination process and we will ask zombies to remove some of their make-up or costume to symbolize they have been cleaned.
A “Zombie Contest” will occur before the exercise begins. To be eligible for this contest, each person playing the part of a zombie will be issued a number. Zombies entering the contest must also be participating in the exercise to qualify. The contest will be judged in three different categories. Best Make Up, Best Costume, and Best Zombie Walk. The winner’s in each of these categories will receive a plaque. Additional awards may be given.
Players and Participants
People that will be playing the part of zombies, will need to download the release form, sign and date it, and bring it with you the day of the exercise. You are to report to the concession area under Selby Stadium, on the OWU campus, which is located to your left as you enter the gates. You will need to sign in at that time. We would like for you to start arriving at 11:00 AM. You will be assigned a number if you are planning to participate in the costume contest which will start at 12:05 PM before the exercise. The contest will be judged for best make up, best costume, and best walk. In order to participate in the contest, you must also be playing a zombie in the exercise. We are asking you, if possible, to come already in make up and costume. If you need assistance with applying your make up, you will need to be at the stadium at 10:00 AM and go to the registration area for assistance with your make up. There will be Law Enforcement Officers present during this exercise. They are participating in the exercise, but are also on duty and ready to respond to an actual incident. DO NOT approach these officers in a threatening manner. They are there to provide scene safety and security around the exercise area as well as performing other duties. Please comply with their directions and commands. We want this to be a safe and fun experience for everyone. There is plenty of parking around the downtown area, as well as near the University for you to use. The exercise area will be cordoned off with yellow barrier tape and we ask that you stay within that area. You will not be permitted to go past the sidewalk at S. Sandusky St. and you will not be permitted to park or wonder onto the St. Mary’s School grounds as they will be in session. All Zombie Participants and observers must stay on the track area once inside the stadium. NO ONE is permitted on the football field.
Zombies will have the option of going through a normal decon line or a simulated decon line. We would like as many people as possible to go through the normal decon line with flowing warm water. This would allow our decon team to practice their training skills as well as to see how many people we could run through a working decon line in an hour time span. If you are willing to get wet, you will need to bring a change of clothes and a towel in a clear plastic bag with your name attached to it. If you choose to go through the simulated decon line, you will be handed a wipe towellet for you to wipe the make up off your face to show that you have gone through decon. You will need to tell the members of the decon team when you are brought to them as to which line you wish to go through. We are also looking for 15 brave souls to volunteer to go to Grady Memorial Hospital to go through their decon line. You will not have the same choice as previously mentioned. You will get wet so again, you will need to bring dry clothes and a towel in a clear plastic bag. There also are to be no weapons (Fake or Real) that are permitted on University Property or during this exercise, so please leave them at home.
Enjoy the exercise and have fun, but be safe!
From the staff of the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security And Emergency Management, The Delaware County LEPC, and the Delaware County Hazmat Team (DART), we thank you for your participation in this exercise. We hope you have a great time and an enjoyable experience.
