NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Tuscarawas County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will conduct their annual HazMat response exercise this Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm at the New Towne Mall complex in New Philadelphia. 

The exercise will give local fire departments and the Tuscarawas County HazMat Team an opportunity to put their response capabilities to the test while also training newer first responders on principles of HazMat rescue. 

Tuscarawas County Emergency Management Agency Director Alex McCarthy says participants will practice safety protocols, interagency coordination of emergency public information, and decontamination procedures. 

Surrounding businesses should expect to see a convergence of local first responders in and around the location of the former Elder Beerman.