The U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii will be conducting its annual first responder exercises in response to a simulation of a natural or man-made emergency today and Thursday, with some traffic impacts in the Fort Shafter Flats, Fort DeRussy and Schofield Barracks neighborhoods.

The exercises take place at Fort Shafter Flats and Fort DeRussy today and at Schofield Barracks on Thursday. The public may see and hear emergency response vehicles in and around these installations, but should not be alarmed. Additionally, the scenario at Fort Shafter Flats includes using a simulator to replicate a bomb detonation.

“The safety and security of our Army installations in Hawaii and those who live and work there are our highest priority,” said Col. Thomas Barrett, commander, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, in a news release. “This annual exercise gives us the ability to practice our response plans and actions.”

Gate security at Fort Shafter Flats and Fort Shafter will be increased beginning at 9 a.m. until exercise scenarios are done, resulting in traffic delays in the area. Fort Shafter’s Patch Gate will be closed to inbound traffic during the exercise.

Questions can be directed to the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs Office at 656-3154.