Navy Depot to hold evacuation drill this week

More than 6,000 people work at the U.S. Navy Depot in Lawncrest, and sometime during this, they’ll be pouring out onto the streets for an emergency drill.

Mark Mroz, community relations officer for the 2nd District, said SEPTA, police and the media have been notified of the drill, but residents should be warned too, as the drill will shut down streets around the facility.

The purpose of the drill is to see how long and evacuation would take if there should be an emergency. The drill will take up to 24 hours to complete, and no specific date has been set.

“It defeats the purpose if everyone knows at exactly this time [an evacuation drill is taking place],” Mroz explained to Lawncrest Community Association members.

During the drill, employees will be sent home, the facility will be reviewed and employees will go through a security check as they return.

It’s been recommended that people avoid the area during the week of March 19 to steer clear of the drill.

“Since 9/11 there has never been an evacuation of this facility,” Mroz said. “I think it’s a good thing that we do this type of drill.”

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