Local and area agencies gathered together for an exercise on Tuesday to identify ways to ensure that no matter what happens, first responders can still communicate and coordinate their rescue efforts.

The May 13 exercise hosted by the Georgia EMA’s Area 1 and Area 6 brought together 38 public safety agencies from around the area to host the Mobile Command Vehicle exercise. Alongside officials from Paulding County EMA and Paulding County 911, the exercise also brought together officials from Paulding County Fire/Rescue, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and others to work together with one of the worst case scenarios: what happens when the radios don’t work correctly.

The scenario around the exercise posed was a Hurricane Helene-styled storm moving through the area, causing a large amount of damage and cutting communications off between agencies.

“Agencies worked together to restore or establish alternate methods of communication, which is a critical capability during real-world disasters,” per a posting from the 911’s Facebook page.

Photos courtesy of Paulding County 911 and Paulding County EMA.