The drill will test the county health department’s communications capabilities. Department spokeswoman Laura McCasland says in certain circumstances people may not have access to the electronic media.

"For example if people are evacuated from a building let’s say downtown they may not access to a TV or radio, with this we would be able to go down and post signs to give them direction on exiting the area or any kind of information that they may need."

During Tuesday's so-called “Community Education Exercise” 50 volunteers will post notices and distribute emergency preparation guides to schools, transportation portals and nursing homes. After the drill, health officials will hold a debriefing to identify any problems.