Lilley said he hopes the area never experiences a major natural disaster like the one that will be simulated, but the upcoming exercises are valuable to prepare for such an event. He also said it's important to train with military personnel to better understand how all the organizations would operate together.

The training program is expected to draw heavier traffic on U.S. 30, Interstate 65 and Broadway while it occurs, and those traveling through that area are likely to see a large number of military and local emergency response vehicles there.

Lilley said Merrillville Emergency Management Agency personnel will be on site to assist with traffic control, and neighboring businesses will remain open while the training occurs.

Signage also will be posted to advise motorists of the disaster response exercises.

Lilley said the program will include nighttime training. He said a nearby residential community could expect to hear some noise during evening hours, but there will be efforts to limit the noise as much as possible.

Lilley asks residents to "bear with us" during the night training because it's a rare opportunity to complete the exercises.

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