Exercise will simulate aircraft emergency and test multi-agency response
TEMPLE, TX (October 28, 2026) – The City of Temple, in coordination with local emergency response agencies and healthcare partners, will conduct a full-scale emergency response exercise at the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport on Wednesday, November 4.
The exercise will begin at approximately 9 a.m. and is expected to last no more than two hours. Residents and motorists in the area may notice an increased presence of emergency response vehicles and personnel during the exercise. There is no emergency or threat to the public.
The exercise will simulate an aircraft crash and provide participating agencies an opportunity to test and evaluate emergency response procedures in a realistic, controlled environment.
The exercise will test several areas of emergency response, including unified command involving Airport Operations, Temple Fire & Rescue/Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), law enforcement and emergency medical services. Participants will also practice patient triage, treatment and simulated transportation, as well as gross decontamination procedures at the scene.
Additional exercise activities will take place at Temple-area hospitals, where a separate group of volunteers will participate as simulated patients to test hospital decontamination procedures. Volunteers will also simulate 9-1-1 calls associated with the exercise.
No actual patients will be transported as part of the exercise.
The exercise will begin at approximately 9 a.m. and is expected to last no more than two hours. Residents and motorists in the area may notice an increased presence of emergency response vehicles and personnel during the exercise. There is no emergency or threat to the public.
The exercise will simulate an aircraft crash and provide participating agencies an opportunity to test and evaluate emergency response procedures in a realistic, controlled environment.
The exercise will test several areas of emergency response, including unified command involving Airport Operations, Temple Fire & Rescue/Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), law enforcement and emergency medical services. Participants will also practice patient triage, treatment and simulated transportation, as well as gross decontamination procedures at the scene.
Additional exercise activities will take place at Temple-area hospitals, where a separate group of volunteers will participate as simulated patients to test hospital decontamination procedures. Volunteers will also simulate 9-1-1 calls associated with the exercise.
No actual patients will be transported as part of the exercise.
Exercises like this give our emergency responders and community partners the opportunity to work together in a realistic environment and make sure we’re prepared when every second counts. By practicing how we communicate, coordinate resources and care for patients during a large-scale emergency, we can identify what works well and where we can improve before we’re faced with the real thing. Ultimately, this exercise is about making sure Temple is as prepared as possible to protect our community.
Jennifer Henager, Emergency Management Division Director
Full-scale exercises allow emergency responders and community partners to practice coordination, communication and response procedures before an actual emergency occurs. The exercise also provides participating organizations an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their emergency plans.
Members of the public should not be alarmed by emergency response activity at or around the airport on the morning of November 4.
For emergencies dial 911, for non-emergency calls, please dial 254.298.5500.
Members of the public should not be alarmed by emergency response activity at or around the airport on the morning of November 4.
For emergencies dial 911, for non-emergency calls, please dial 254.298.5500.