GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The City of Gatlinburg conducted a comprehensive Emergency Operations Center (EOC) drill on Monday, May 13. The drill, which simulated a flood along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg, encompassed representatives from each of the City’s 14 departments.
The EOC drill is part of the City’s commitment to preparedness to ensure Gatlinburg’s citizens' and visitors' safety and well-being. The drill, which Gatlinburg Fire Chief Charlie Cole led, simulated a flood, along with high winds, which impacted the Gatlinburg area. This scenario allowed each Department to coordinate its response to the simulated storm and allowed the Departments to review and test their procedures, protocols, and decision-making processes.
"The safety and security of Gatlinburg’s citizens and visitors is the top priority for the City,” City Manager Greg Patterson said. “Conducting drills to bring our Departments together allows us to review our protocols and procedures, identify areas for improvement, evaluate and refine our strategies, and enhance the City’s overall readiness to manage any crisis effectively.”
Throughout the exercise, City Department Heads discussed hypothetical scenarios related to evacuations, coordination of resources and personnel, and communication strategies during emergency events.
“By conducting a drill like this, convening the City staff allows the opportunity for the Departments that comprise the City organization to share information and streamline efforts to mitigate potential threats, and minimize the impact on the community if an emergency should occur,” Patterson said.
During Monday afternoon’s Drill, the City also reviewed the Emergency Alert Notification System, which comprises 10 sirens located in the Gatlinburg area. This outdoor warning siren system can produce both audible siren alerts and verbal instructions. City staff also reviewed the Flood Warning System, which has been an invaluable tool for Gatlinburg and Sevier County leaders for several years. This system is comprised of field sensors and a web-based portal, which monitors streams, rivers, and precipitation levels. This innovative technology serves as an invaluable tool for protecting lives and property by providing early notification of potential flooding events.
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