Contact: Assistant Chief David Douglas
Phone: (336) 373-2032

Drill Scheduled at Four Seasons Town Center on July 13

GREENSBORO, NC -- (July 11, 2008) -- The Greensboro Fire Department will conduct a training exercise at Four Seasons Town Center on Sunday, July 13 beginning at 8:30 am. The drill, being conducted in cooperation with General Growth Properties, owners of the mall, is expected to last three hours.

Four Seasons Town Center is one of the largest buildings in Greensboro with the potential for thousands of shoppers. In businesses such as this, unique challenges are presented to emergency responders to effect a timely evacuation and the mitigation of an emergency. 

The drill will address the needs of both the fire department and mall personnel. Two simulated scenarios will be presented to participants: a kitchen fire in the food court and a fire in a mercantile space. These scenarios will improve facility knowledge and address life safety concerns for the fire department and evaluate the fire alarm system, evacuation plans and personnel actions for General Growth Properties. The involvement of mall security and management within the framework of the City's Incident Command System will help to strengthen the unified command structure in the event of a real emergency.

The drill is expected to involving ten pieces of apparatus and approximately 50 City personnel. Remaining apparatus and personnel will be relocated to assure that coverage is maintained throughout the City.

To the extent possible, this drill will be conducted under “real time” conditions. Apparatus will be deployed around the mall itself and firefighters will be outfitted in their protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Residents should not be alarmed or concerned for their safety during this event.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2,700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.