It’s called “Vortex Fury,” a scary-sounding name for an exercise intended to reduce fear.

Local emergency preparedness officials will take part in a joint “tabletop exercise” to test readiness in the event of an emergency.

Officials will describe an initial scenario involving a simulated tornado. Situational updates allow participants to focus on problem-solving without all the stress and consequences.

Oranizers say the exercise brings together university administration, community leaders, emergency managers, first responders, faith-based, non-profit and community based organizations and private sector partners to evaluate the community’s ability to respond to a tornado scenario.

Buchanan County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Brinton tells us the joint Tabletop Exercise will be held at Missouri Western State University from 9am to noon Friday. Mr Brinton says about fifty people are expected to attend.

Registration begins at 8am in the Blum building on campus.