This week the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership held a simulated training exercise at the TARA Centre at Evergreen Park. Over 80 volunteers helped simulate to support a large number of displaced evacuees. This controlled event is an opportunity for regional partners and assess Emergency Response Plans in real time.

GPREP is an emergency response partnership comprised of six regional municipalities, including: The County of Grande Prairie, the City of Grande Prairie, the Town of Beaverlodge, the Town of Sexsmith and the Village of Hythe.

"Emergency Social Services (ESS) is an emergency response program that provides for the various short-term needs of evacuees during a large-scale emergency or disaster. These short-term services (up to 72 hours) are to preserve the emotional and physical well-being of evacuees." (GPREP) 

Photos by Tanya Owen.