Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez and The Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security hosted a simulated activation of the County’s Emergency Operations Center for approximately 80 students from Epiphany Catholic Middle School in Miami.

The students played the roles of elected officials, emergency management coordinators and other key personnel during a mock hurricane activation.  The simulation was coordinated by StormZone, a Miami-based non-profit organization that teaches emergency management to middle and high school students in the United States and overseas.

“Having lived through more than three major hurricanes in South Florida, this simulated activation is really what it’s all about,” said Mayor Carlos Alvarez.  “These students are learning how working together is critical for the well-being of all county residents during an emergency situation.”

Photo (from left to right):  Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez; Giana Bali, student; Juliana Bacallao, student