Downstairs in the basement of Lansing Fire Station #8 is the Emergency Operations Center. It's the heart, "central command," in case disaster strikes. And area officials including those from the mayor's office, police, fire, and public service departments would be there, but not necessarily in person. Because a screened projection can give real-time feed, maps of the area, and conference calls all at the same time, an important aspect to emergency preparedness, especially with a bio-terrorism exercise just a week away.

Chief Trent Atkins of the Lansing Office of Emergency Management says, "We can sit around the table and discuss all the possible scenarios. But until we actually practice it, it's different to say what exactly will happen."

The week-long exercise will test the area's ability to handle a pandemic like small pox or anthrax. It will include all of District One's nine counties which include, Gratiot, Clinton, Shiawassee, Livingston, Ingham, Eaton, Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale. The District One Medical Response Coalition which is organizing the exercise is still looking for volunteer actors to help with the final scenario on Friday, July 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you'd like more information you can call (517) 324-4404 or log onto www.d1replay.com.