This is only a drill; this is not an actual emergency — but if it had been, an airplane apparently hijacked from Atlanta would have crashed near Chapel Christian Church on Thursday morning.

For responders and volunteers representing a variety of agencies, the scenario provided an opportunity to assess their response to a situation as it developed into a health emergency.

When responders were advised there was a possibility of anthrax on the plane, the hazardous materials team went into action researching response preparedness.

Simulating the evacuation of a quarter-mile perimeter, Barrow County Sheriff’s deputies and Winder Police officers responded and were involved in the search for a "suspect" who may have been exposed to anthrax.

Georgia Department of Transportation "closed off" Atlanta Highway and CSX Transportation was notified to halt trains. Concerns expanded as a "suspect" from the plane may be exposing others. Health department officials would be needed to administer medication.

County participants said the drill provided real insight into the strengths of the working relationships but highlighted the need for stepped-up communication.

"The drill went very well. All of the key agencies we needed to participate did so and everyone cooperated," said EMA Director Jimmy Terrell.

Kristi Royston, who worked with the Public Information Officer Team, identified the need for her backup should an incident occur on election day. She is the Election Supervisor for Barrow County.

Several polling places are also Points of Dispensing for medication so that is another issue identified for future action.

Networking and communication were identified as weaknesses but the teamwork between the PIO was tested for the first time during a drill.

"This was the first time we set up a PIO station and it went well," said Royston. By having several agencies and health officials on hand, each could contribute their information. One liaison is needed, however.

Outside evaluators complimented the county’s personnel and agencies for the team work and response.

"We certainly appreciate the membership of the Chapel Christian Church for allowing us to use the property there along with the facility for debriefing," said Terrell.

We also appreciate Airport Director Glen Boyd and the Airport Authority for allowing us to stage at the airport," he said. "The airport is a great asset. In a real world situation we would have been able to fly CDC and public health officials into the airport and move them right into a staging area."

Winder Police Investigator Rachel Love, who served on the Public Information Officer Team, said the two-hour lunch and debriefing yielded information which will aid in bettering future response to other situations.

The people who responded, the volunteers and the response times got high marks while communication was the overriding shortcoming identified in the drill.

Public health officials did not have radio communication with other responders.