PSE&G will simulate damage to a gas pipeline in a residential neighborhood and then practice a response.
HAMILTON -- The abundance of emergency vehicles and first responders that township residents could see Wednesday morning are only part of a drill.
A pipeline explosion drill.
The township's fire and police departments will conduct a joint safety exercise with Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) as part of the company's year-round emergency preparedness program from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 24 Lamont Avenue.
During the exercise, PSE&G will simulate construction damage to a gas pipeline in a residential neighborhood and then practice their response.
PSE&G officials say that a recent study suggests that about 40 percent of natural gas pipeline damages involve lines cut due to errors by contractors, construction workers and residents.
"These exercises are typically conducted at a training facility," Joe Forline, vice president of gas operations for PSE&G, said in a statement. "Simulating a gas leak in a residential neighborhood provides a more realistic scenario for our crews and local emergency responders - ensuring a coordinated and effective response when it is not an exercise."
"PSE&G routinely performs simulated gas leak exercises to test and enhance communication protocols and logistics," Forline said.
The area will be safe for residents, PSE&G officials said.
Greg Wright may be reached at gwright@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregTheWright. Find NJ.com on Facebook.