Operation Take Back and Fire Training This Weekend in Howell

The Howell Police Department will be providing an opportunity this weekend for residents to turn in expired and unwanted medication in a safe way while the Howell fire departments will be taking part in a large scale fire drill in one of the now abandoned buildings.

“Operation Take Back NJ” will be held at the Howell Municipal Building from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The program is run through the Drug Enforcement Administration New Jersey Division.

Detective Sgt. Eileen Dodd said by taking part in the program residents can be assured that their unused, unwanted or expired medications will be disposed of “in a safe and non-hazardous manner, preventing these pills from falling into the hands of juveniles or into the illicit market in our communities.” Identification is not required and there will be no questions asked when turning in the medication.

On Sunday firefighters from throughout the town will descend on the old Engineering, Planning and Construction building on preventorium road for a township wide fire drill and training exercise. Trucks from Adelphia to Ramtown will be heading to the now empty building between 9 a.m. until around 1 p.m. A press release from the Office of Emergency Management said the exercise is an important activity for the local first responders. “These exercises help to strengthen our readiness and resilience to successfully manage the challenges faced in all emergency situations.”

The drill will test “coordination skills, validate emergency plans and test well established procedures,” according to the press release.

As a result of the drill residents may see delays in the area and are encouraged to avoid the area during the drill if possible.