First responders test new technology for if-and-when a hurricane or flooding hit our area

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It has almost been a month since Hurricane Michael came through Middle Georgia.  Guardian Centers, in Perry, held a hurricane disaster simulation for its Operation Convergent Response.

In times of natural disasters, it’s imperative first responders act in a timely and safe manner. For not only those that need rescuing, but for themselves, too. This hurricane simulation gave first responders, as close to the real thing as possible, to deploy all safety and technology procedures for when and if a hurricane and flooding hit our area.

“We’re taking, not only the realities of operating in a flooded neighborhood, but applying that technology, so it’s the next integrations, the next step so that the next Michael, the next Florence,  the next major event we found lessons learned, we had after actions we saw problems encountered,” Guardian Centers Executive Vice President for Operations and Training Tim Maloney said.

A disaster simulation gives first responders the training they need for when lives are on the line. While practicing using the latest disaster relief technology.

“Technology that is reliable and durable and gives a better picture of what’s going. Then you tie that into situational software, and then tie that to a common operating picture,” Jad Muntasser, who’s an asymmetric solutions manager with Verizon, said.

During a time of crisis, it takes a team of helping hands.

“When people show up, you have to be able to work outside what you’d normally do because at the end, we’re all in it together,” Muntasser said.

Operation Convergent Response allows first responders to test out the technology, then ask the venders questions about their product.