CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Residents in Corpus Christi's northside may have noticed various first responders in the area Thursday morning for a Hazmat Emergency Response Drill.
Green and yellow smoke could be seen at the O.N Stevens Water Treatment Plant on Leopard Street as a fake chemical spill was released. First responders quickly arrived at the scene, and those living in the area even received a Reverse Alert notification about the situation.
The purpose of the drill was to make sure first responders and other organizations are prepared in case of an emergency.
"We're going to mitigate the risk as much as possible by doing these practice laws by being prepared for everyone understanding their roles. It's also important for them to understand we're doing everything we can to protect the public. This is about protecting our citizens," said Rafael Martinez, water plant manager for the City of Corpus Christi.
The Corpus Christi Fire and Police departments participated in the event, along with the Coastal Bend Emergency Planning Committee, Union Pacific Railroad, and the City's Utility Department.