The Hamilton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is a resource committed to enhancing hazardous materials preparedness in case of a local incident or emergency. The group is responsible for an annual exercise to provide training for area first responders.
This year’s event is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville.
Anyone traveling through downtown Noblesville during the morning hours of Aug. 25 may notice an increased fire and law enforcement presence around the Courthouse. This is a pre-planned training event by the LEPC to simulate a hazardous materials incident that might affect county government services. The LEPC exercise provides hands-on experience for first responders so they can plan for an evacuation of the government facility and for a continuation of government services should the Courthouse be closed for an extended period.
During the exercise, Logan Street will be completely closed between 8th Street and State Road 19. Emergency vehicles will be entering the training zone along State Road 32 and 8th Street but should have minimal impact on traffic flow. Areas around the Government and Judicial Center may not be accessible to the public during this time in order to maintain safety during the event.
The exercise will continue on Tuesday, Aug. 27 when designated employees at the Government and Judicial Center will train for a continuation of government services at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, should an incident occur that closes the building. Normal government services will still be provided at the Courthouse and anyone with government business or court dates should still report to the Courthouse.