Large-scale evacuation drill to be done

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – On Thursday, the City of Providence will conduct a large-scale evacuation drill of downtown office towers.

Approximately 4,000 people are expected to participate in the drill

The exercise, called “Operation Smart Exit,” is aimed at increasing the culture of preparedness.

The drill will take place in the city’s largest office towers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Employees from Providence City Hall, One Financial Plaza, 100 Westminster Street, Bank of America, 20 Westminster Street Associates, Textron, the Turks Head Building, GTECH Corporation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and The Federal Center, will evacuate offices to a rally point in Burnside Park and other locations.

The drill is being led by the Providence Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the Rhode Island Red Cross and the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team.

June is also National Preparedness Month.