4-22-2026 4:26am

Rescue Training Held

Heads up to our neighbors in the Loch Raven Reservoir area----

On Thursday, 4/23/26, emergency responders from around the state will be participating in a full-scale search and rescue exercise in our neighborhood. Areas impacted will be the Loch Raven Reservoir and the Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman areas. You may see increased emergency vehicle traffic, boats, and helicopters participating.

Responders will be well-marked and identified. Please keep a safe distance from any exercise activity that you may find yourself near.

Due to the increased aircraft activity, drones should not be operated near any identified exercise activity.

Timeframe: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Training locations:• Hammerman Branch• Mount Vista Park• Loch Raven Reservoir• Hart Miller IslandFor everyone’s safety:• Please avoid flying drones near training areas• Keep a safe distance from secured zonesThese exercises help ensure our teams are ready when it matters most. Thank you for your cooperation!

Regional Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX). This is only an exercise.

This full scale training exercise will span a 20 square mile area and include coordinated operations by responders and observers in aircraft, on the ground, and on the water—including divers operating underwater.
Props and simulated structures will be placed throughout the area in the days leading up to the exercise. These may appear realistic but they will be clearly marked. Please do not tamper with or disturb these items for your safety and the safety of responders.
Residents and visitors should expect an increased presence of emergency personnel, Maryland National Guard aircraft, emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and rescue boats throughout the exercise area.
Gunpowder Falls State Park and Loch Raven Dam recreational areas will remain open during this training event. Members of the public may observe activity from a safe distance but should not interfere with operations

WHERE: Loch Raven Dam Reservoir, Big Gunpowder Falls, Gunpowder River, Gunpowder Falls State Park, and Hart Miller Island.

Learn more: https://news.maryland.gov/mdem/2026/04/20/public-advisory/Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM