When you picture in your mind New York’s Twin Towers engulfed in flames, or even fake smoke pouring from a fictionalized movie high-rise, the thought of at-risk workers exiting safely from a multi-story office building is a very real concern. It’s one we develop plans for through our Facility Management Division, but the unpredictable nature of such events make real-time drills vitally important in saving lives and property.
That is why the Department of Administration did not hesitate when we were approached by the Raleigh Fire Department with a request to conduct a high-rise training drill in a state office building. Such an exercise will be held all day Saturday at the Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury St., which houses the Departments of Crime Control and Public Safety, and Environment and Natural Resources.
The drill will be repeated three times during the day to allow numerous fire departments and emergency medical response teams an opportunity to participate. Responders will stage their equipment in the parking lot behind the Administration Building.
Fire department officials are planning to train in a highly realistic, dark and smoke-filled environment. While responders will practice locating teams and hooking trucks into hydrant systems, they will not spray water during the drills.
While the exercise is bound to have an impact of those who live and work in the area – nearby streets will be closed and access to some state buildings and parking lots restricted – the impact of not training for potential crises could be far more devastating. We wish our colleagues success in this endeavor and thank them for their selfless efforts to protect our safety, and we thank our neighbors for their patience during this important activity.