It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to preparing for emergencies.

Pike County is hosting a full scale disaster drill Saturdaym, Oct. 24th, at the Dyno Nobel  plant just south of Louisiana.

Authorities will simulate the effects of a chemical leak. Seventy firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency responders will participate. Eight to 10 people will portray victims scattered around the plant and the immediate vicinity.

Pike County Emergency Management Director Al Murry says full scale drills have been done about every three years for more than three decades. The exercises help participants learn to better prepare if the real thing ever happens.

Saturday’s drill is expected to last about four hours. Another facility and another scenario will be part of next year’s practice session.