The Indiana Department of Homeland Security will team up with first responders from across northern Indiana this week to conduct a large-scale emergency exercise simulating a hazardous materials release from a train derailment.

The two-day drill, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, and Friday, Aug. 29, will take place in Argos and is designed to test and evaluate local response plans and capabilities. Officials say the goal is to identify both strengths and areas for improvement in emergency preparedness.

Residents in the Argos area may notice increased activity during the exercise, including lights, sirens, and radio traffic. Authorities stress that the activity is part of a controlled training environment, but first responders will be encouraged to carry out their duties as if responding to a real incident.