DEMOREST, Ga. — A large-scale emergency response drill at Piedmont University will take place Wednesday, April 15, bringing multiple agencies to campus and prompting a temporary road closure in the area.
The full-scale mass casualty exercise is designed to simulate a major incident involving multiple victims and test how local responders coordinate during a high-stress emergency.
The drill will include law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services and other public safety partners.
According to Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Rob Moore, College Drive will be closed Wednesday between Georgia Street, near the tennis courts, and Maine Street. The closure is being conducted with support from the City of Demorest, and motorists are urged to plan alternate routes.
University officials previously said the exercise will feature realistic training elements, including volunteer role players acting as victims, triage operations and coordinated transport scenarios. Emergency vehicles and personnel will be highly visible throughout the area during the drill.
The training is part of ongoing preparedness efforts to ensure agencies can respond effectively to large-scale emergencies and protect public safety.
Officials emphasized that the event is only a drill and does not pose any danger to the public. However, residents should expect increased activity and are encouraged to avoid the immediate area around campus during the exercise.
Additional details about the drill were outlined in the university’s initial announcement.
