The Medina County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and local public safety agencies conducted a full-scale hazardous materials exercise on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at an industrial facility in the City of Medina.
The exercise simulated the release of a toxic chemical from a hose connected to a railcar and provided participating agencies an opportunity to practice and evaluate their response to a significant hazardous materials incident. The exercise was designed and facilitated by Bad Day Training, which was paid for by a Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning grant.
The exercise tested the following objectives, initial notification, incident assessment, incident command, resource management, public safety communications, response personnel safety, population protective actions, traffic, and access control.
Agencies participating in the exercise included:
- Medina Fire Department
- Medina Police Department Dispatch
- Medina County Sheriff’s Office
- Medina Life Support Team
- Medina County Hazmat Team
- Medina County Health Department
- Medina County Emergency Management Agency
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) play an important role in preparing communities for incidents involving hazardous materials. The Ohio State Emergency Response Commission requires each LEPC to conduct an exercise annually, with a full-scale exercise required every four years.
Evaluators assessed the Medina County exercise against eight established exercise objectives. All eight objectives were successfully met, demonstrating the ability of participating agencies to work together and coordinate resources during a complex hazardous materials emergency.
Exercises such as this allow first responders, emergency management personnel, public health officials, dispatchers, and other response partners to practice established plans and procedures in a realistic environment. They also provide an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for continued improvement before an actual emergency occurs.
Medina County EMA and the LEPC thank all the agencies, personnel, evaluators, facility representatives, and partners who contributed to the planning and successful completion of the exercise.
A special thank you is also extended to Bluecoats of Medina County for providing lunch for exercise participants.
The Medina County Emergency Management Agency and Local Emergency Planning Committee will continue working with public safety agencies, local government, businesses, and community partners to strengthen Medina County’s preparedness for hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies.