Approximately 100 area emergency services personnel will take part Saturday in a hazardous materials plan emergency drill.

The drill will take place in Coal Grove.

"Primarily, it helps to fulfill the law. Ohio law requires us to annual exercise our plan," Local Emergency Planning Committee chairman Mike Boster said. "It also gives us an opportunity to work together in a controlled environment. Among the practical aspects of the exercise, it's good practice. Those who take part will get to practice their skills in a non-emergency situation."

Boster said the drill will allow area emergency service responders to determine the strengths and weaknesses of their plan with the goal of improving on any weaknesses.

By law, the drill must involve a simulated hazardous material release from either a fixed facility that manufactures, stores or uses a hazardous chemical or from a transportation mishap on a highway, railway, waterway or airway.

A public review of the exercise will take place at the next LEPC meeting Monday at the Lawrence County Emergency Services Building. That meeting is at 7 p.m.

The drill will include the participation of law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, the emergency management agency and the American Red Cross as well as the local amateur radio operator's organization, critical incident stress management organization and elected officials.