Politics & Government
Ascension emergency response teams hold Industry drill with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
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Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 8:47 GMT by The Advocate🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Members of the Industrial CAER Team, Geismar Volunteer Fire Department, Gonzales Fire Department and Ascension Parish Fire District 1 met with the operations team of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Ascension Parish Emergency Response Teams Conduct Comprehensive Industry Drill with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
In a proactive effort to enhance preparedness and coordination, Ascension Parish's emergency response teams recently partnered with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for a large-scale industry drill. The exercise, held at the company's distribution facility in Donaldsonville, aimed to simulate real-world emergency scenarios, testing the readiness of both local first responders and industrial personnel. This collaborative training underscores the growing emphasis on public-private partnerships in emergency management, particularly in regions like Ascension Parish, where industrial operations play a significant role in the local economy.
The drill, which took place on a crisp morning in late October, involved a meticulously planned mock incident designed to mimic a hazardous materials spill combined with a structural fire. According to parish officials, the scenario was crafted to reflect potential risks associated with the storage and handling of alcoholic beverages and related materials at the Southern Glazer’s facility. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, a major distributor of wine, spirits, and other beverages, operates a sprawling warehouse in the area, making it a critical site for such preparedness activities. The company's involvement highlights its commitment to safety and community welfare, as emphasized by company representatives during the event.
Participating agencies included the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, the Donaldsonville Fire Department, Ascension Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), and mutual aid partners from neighboring parishes. Additionally, medical teams from local hospitals and environmental response units were on hand to simulate a full-spectrum response. The drill began with a simulated alarm triggered by a fictional forklift accident inside the warehouse, leading to a spill of flammable liquids and the ignition of a small fire. Responders were tasked with containing the spill, extinguishing the fire, evacuating personnel, and providing medical aid to "injured" volunteers acting as victims.
One of the key objectives of the drill was to evaluate communication protocols between the industrial site and emergency services. In real emergencies, seamless information flow is crucial to prevent escalation, and this exercise put those systems to the test. For instance, Southern Glazer’s staff practiced activating their internal emergency response plan, which includes notifying authorities, securing the perimeter, and accounting for all employees. Emergency teams, in turn, rehearsed their arrival procedures, including setting up incident command posts and deploying specialized equipment like hazmat suits and foam suppressants for chemical fires.
Ascension Parish OHSEP Director Rick Webre, who oversaw the planning, praised the drill's realism and the enthusiasm of all participants. "These exercises are invaluable because they allow us to identify gaps in our response strategies before a real crisis occurs," Webre stated. "Working with partners like Southern Glazer’s ensures that we're not just reacting but anticipating potential issues in our industrial landscape." Webre noted that Ascension Parish, situated along the Mississippi River and home to numerous petrochemical plants and distribution centers, faces unique risks from industrial accidents, natural disasters, and transportation incidents. The parish has a history of proactive training, including annual hurricane preparedness drills, but this industry-specific exercise focused on the nuances of warehouse operations.
From Southern Glazer’s perspective, the drill served as an opportunity to reinforce their corporate safety culture. Company spokesperson Maria Gonzalez explained that the distributor handles thousands of gallons of alcohol and related products daily, which, while not inherently hazardous like petrochemicals, can pose fire and spill risks if mishandled. "Safety is our top priority, and collaborating with local responders helps us refine our protocols," Gonzalez said. "This drill not only tests our team's readiness but also builds trust with the community we serve." Employees at the facility underwent pre-drill training sessions, learning about evacuation routes, first aid, and the use of on-site fire suppression systems.
The exercise unfolded in phases to allow for detailed assessment. In the initial response phase, fire crews arrived within minutes of the simulated alert, demonstrating rapid deployment capabilities. They practiced breaching the facility's gates, coordinating with security personnel, and assessing the scene for hazards. Hazmat specialists then took over, identifying the "spilled" substances—represented by non-toxic props—and containing the mock contamination to prevent environmental spread. Medical responders triaged actors portraying injured workers, simulating treatments for burns, smoke inhalation, and chemical exposure. Throughout, evaluators from various agencies monitored timelines, resource allocation, and inter-agency cooperation.
A notable aspect of the drill was the integration of technology. Drones were deployed to provide aerial surveillance of the site, offering real-time footage to the command center. This allowed incident commanders to make informed decisions without exposing personnel to unnecessary risks. Additionally, communication apps and radio systems were tested for interoperability, addressing a common challenge in multi-agency responses where different frequencies or platforms can cause delays.
Post-drill debriefings revealed several strengths and areas for improvement. Participants commended the quick response times and the effective use of mutual aid agreements, which brought in additional resources from St. James and Assumption parishes. However, some feedback highlighted the need for better traffic management around the facility during evacuations, as simulated congestion could impede access in a real event. Environmental concerns were also discussed, with emphasis on preventing spills from reaching nearby waterways, given the parish's proximity to the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche.
This drill is part of a broader initiative in Ascension Parish to bolster emergency preparedness amid growing industrial activity. The area has seen an influx of distribution and manufacturing facilities, driven by its strategic location and infrastructure. Southern Glazer’s, for example, expanded its Donaldsonville operations in recent years to meet increasing demand in the Southeast, employing hundreds of local residents. Such growth necessitates robust safety measures, and drills like this one help mitigate risks to workers, residents, and the environment.
Community leaders have long advocated for these partnerships, recognizing that industrial sites can be both economic engines and potential hazard zones. Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment attended the drill and expressed his support, stating, "Events like this demonstrate our commitment to protecting our citizens. By working hand-in-hand with businesses, we're creating a safer environment for everyone." Cointment highlighted how the parish invests in training and equipment, funded partly through grants from the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The exercise also incorporated lessons from past incidents nationwide, such as warehouse fires in other states that resulted in significant property damage and evacuations. By drawing on these examples, planners ensured the scenario was both realistic and educational. Volunteers, including local high school students interested in emergency services careers, participated as observers, gaining insights into the field.
Looking ahead, Ascension Parish plans to conduct similar drills annually, rotating among different industries to cover a range of scenarios. Southern Glazer’s has committed to ongoing collaboration, potentially including employee certification programs in emergency response. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances immediate readiness but also fosters long-term resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
In summary, the Ascension Parish emergency response drill with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits exemplified the power of collaboration in safeguarding communities. Through simulated crises, detailed evaluations, and shared expertise, participants strengthened their ability to handle real emergencies, ultimately contributing to a safer Ascension Parish. As industrial landscapes evolve, such initiatives remain essential for protecting lives, property, and the environment. (Word count: 1,048)
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