Countywide Active Threat Full-Scale Exercise To Be Conducted October 25

Countywide Active Threat Full-Scale Exercise To Be Conducted October 25

Altoona, IA. October 22, 2024Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, in collaboration with Polk County Emergency Management, will host a full-scale emergency response exercise on Friday, October 25. The exercise, which will run from 8 AM to 2 PM, is designed to simulate an active threat incident and will take place in the area surrounding the horse barns and dormitories south of the Prairie Meadows Casino.

Over 15 local and state first responder agencies, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS, will participate in this vital exercise. The event is the culmination of more than a year of planning, training, and coordination between Prairie Meadows, Polk County Emergency Management, and other local agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response to emergencies.

“This exercise is an opportunity for our agency, our first responders, and Prairie Meadows security teams to practice, prepare, and improve in a controlled environment, so we are able to keep our communities safe, and deliver an effective response in an emergency,” said Polk County Emergency Management Program Assistant and Exercise Director Brett McIntyre. “The participation of agencies from around the area will be of extra value in simulating the response and strengthening our plans.”

First responders will be using police and fire vehicles, ambulances, and sirens during the exercise. However, all activity will be confined to restricted-access areas on Prairie Meadows’ property and will not disrupt public roads, sidewalks, or pathways.

Anyone near the Prairie Meadows complex, including Prairie Meadows Drive, 8th Street SW, and 25th Ave SW in Altoona on October 25, may notice emergency vehicles and personnel participating in the exercise. However, it is important to note that this will not affect regular traffic or public access.

For media inquiries, please contact Anthony Hughes, Marketing Director, Prairie Meadows, at the information above.

 

About Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $2.2 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

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