While most people hope they will never have to be victims of a disaster, Paula Hladky actually volunteers for the experience. Fortunately, Hladky is only a role player and the disaster is only a learning tool.

On June 29, Hladky and an expected 50 volunteers will play victims in a large-scale exercise organized by Douglas County Emergency Management. The team, plus several other city and county response agencies will put their emergency response capabilities to test through the event.

“You find out your strengths and where you need improvements through realistic exercises,” said Teri Smith, the county’s emergency management director.

Kate Dinneen, volunteer organizer, said the agency plans to keep the specifics on the disaster scenario a secret until the event.

Hladky has participated in a couple of reenactments in the past and said they always put in perspective for her the magnitude of what can happen during a real emergency disaster.

The exercise is planned from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29 near Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Volunteers are still needed. To participate, contact Dinneen at kdinneen@douglas-county.com, Sheila Meggison at smeggison@douglas-county.com or leave a message at 841-6271.