Who: Federal, state and local public safety agencies, including specialized Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams and K-9 teams.

What: Full scale search, rescue and recovery exercise including simulated building collapse and mass casualties.

When: July 25-27, 2008

The exercise will be open to the media on the following schedule only:

Friday, July 25, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 8-11 a.m.

Where: Willow Bend Apartments, 101 Highway 142 North, Covington.  Coming   from Atlanta, take I-20 east toward Conyers.  Stay on I-20 past Conyers,  until  you get to Exit 93 (Hwy 142/John R. Williams Hwy). Get off at Exit 93 and head south (right) on Hwy 142 N. The site is an abandoned set of   apartments called "Willow Bend" that is located about ¼ mile south of the interstate on the east side of the highway - directly across the street   from a Quality Inn.

News media should park in the overhead parking area (signs will be posted) and sign in with the exercise event staff personnel.  News media will be   escorted by GEMA public affairs staff.

Contact:  Buzz Weiss, GEMA Public Affairs Officer
Direct line: 404-635-7026
Cell: 404-535-1048

Note: Be aware that radio traffic on the  frequencies of participating public safety agencies may likely refer to collapsed buildings, missing persons,  fatalities and other situations.   This is a part of the drill.  Unless radio transmissions use the words, "this is a real world event," all  transmissions and activities are part of the exercise, and should not be mistaken as a real event.

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