"Through surveillance efforts of Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, it has been determined that Frontier County is experiencing a wave of an unknown bacteria that is spreading rapidly from person to person.

The Department of Health and Human Services is recommending immediate prophylaxis of the entire county with antibiotics. The Strategic National Stockpile has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is in McCook and will be arriving in Curtis at 10 a.m. via Frontier County Sheriff's office. Dispensing of this life-saving medication will begin at11 a.m.

Mock drill message ends.

This is the scenario of the emergency drill set for Tuesday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Curtis City Hall. The public is encouraged to participate.

Whether it is from a disease outbreak or a terrorist attack, if these scenarios become reality, local emergency planners want Frontier County to be ready.

Planners of the disaster drill hope to gain two things by conducting this drill.

First, they want volunteers to understand and improve the operations of a mass dispensing site, so they will be able to carry out the process efficiently in a real event.

Second, they want the public to understand the process, so they will be able to obtain life-saving medication quickly and without panic.

Those in the public who participate in the drill will be offered several gifts as a thank you: free blood pressures; entry into a drawing for a $200 gas card; a coupon for $10 off an influenza immunization in the fall; and a free lunch of grilled hotdog, chips, and a drink.

The entire process should take 20 minutes or less, so people can come on their lunch break and get a free lunch. A short form will have to be filled out which simulates the real form, but this can be filled out ahead of time by emailing Heidi Wheeler, SWNPHD at erc@swhealthdept.com.

Anyone willing to volunteer for the drill is welcome and appreciated. Contact Heidi at the above email or by calling 882-4269 or 345-4223.

The drill is sponsored and directed by Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department in cooperation with Region 15 Emergency Management and the Frontier County Sheriff's Office. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Furnas, Perkins and Red Willow counties. They also can be found on Facebook or at www.swhealthdept.com.