Practicing for Disaster:

Various agencies came together at the Civic Center on Saturday to deal with a mock disaster. The 24-hour mock disaster simulation was held during the annual Winter Field Day event. The theme of the day was public education and awareness, disaster preparedness, crime prevention and amateur radio. "The goal of this event was to simulate a communication failure that required amateur radio operators to set up and maintain a communications system for 24 hours," said Gary Young, Cove deputy fire chief and emergency management coordinator. "Many people are not aware of the steps to take during a disaster." The event allows people to take part in the simulation, gain important information and become a part of the process. "This event is designed to encourage emergency operating preparedness in the winter," said Young. Participants in the Winter Field Day included Copperas Cove Division of Emergency Management, the Copperas Cove Police and Fire Departments, the Cove Repeater Association (Amateur Radio Club), the Texas Department of State Health Services, Central Texas Trauma Council and Coryell County Emergency Management. Priscilla Beauregard, emergency management volunteer, was excited to educate the public on the value and importance of being prepared. "Panic is the enemy during a disaster. Hopefully people will leave with a better understanding of what to do if such a disaster occurs."

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