Local first responders already preparing for this year's edition of Thunder Over Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thunder Over Louisville may be two months away, but some first responders are already preparing for the official kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Representatives from southern Indiana fire and EMS agencies met at the Prosser Career Education Center in New Albany for a safety meeting Thursday morning.

The group discussed safety precautions, and what first responders should do if there's a problem with a plane at the event.

Each year, thousands of people flock to the waterfront on both sides of the Ohio River for the annual fireworks show.

To protect all of the spectators, hundreds of first responders will be in the water and on land.

"Thunder is an extremely complex event," said Matt Creed, Thunder Over Louisville Air Boss. "We have two states, four cities, and three counties throughout the area, so everybody's going to be ready to go on the day."

First responders in southern Indiana and Kentucky plan to meet several more times over the next few months leading up to the big day.

Thunder Over Louisville is scheduled for Saturday, April 12.

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