ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday morning, a realistic drill at the Orange County Convention Center prepared agencies for terror attacks, emphasizing teamwork and safety for the millions of annual visitors.
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Imagine a busy morning at the Orange County Convention Center. Suddenly, gunshots ring out. People scream and run. Thankfully, it was just a drill, but a very realistic one designed to prepare everyone for a potential terror attack.
This massive exercise, organized by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), simulated a coordinated attack. Police rushed in to confront the “attackers,” while firefighters and EMTs treated “victims” with incredibly realistic fake injuries. The goal? To see how well different agencies work together in a crisis.
“These drills let us practice our plans in a safe way,” explained Steve Harris from CISA. He emphasized how vital teamwork is between local, state, and federal groups.
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The Convention Center is a huge, important place, hosting nearly 2 million visitors every year. That’s why these drills are so crucial. “Public safety here is a big challenge,” said Julius “Jay” Gamble, also from CISA. “These drills help us build a strong, united response to any threat.”
Over 200 people took part, from actors playing panicked crowds to real deputies, EMTs, and federal agents. Sheriff John Mina stressed the importance of training together: “This is how we keep our community safe.”
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The Convention Center’s Executive Director, Mark Tester, called the drill “invaluable,” saying guests and employees deserve to feel safe.
While it was just a simulation, the lessons learned are real. Over the next week, officials will analyze everything, looking for ways to improve communication, evacuations, and medical care. Fire Rescue Chief Martis Mack pointed out how crucial quick medical help is in saving lives, and these drills make sure teams are ready.
Even though Central Florida hasn’t experienced an attack like this, officials know they have to be prepared. “In a real emergency, there’s no time for mistakes. These drills help us fix any problems beforehand,” Mack said.
The Convention Center will use what they learned to make their safety plans even better, so Orlando stays a safe place for everyone to visit.
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