In an effort to assess the preparedness of its personnel to work cohesively in a crisis scenario, Kissimmee Utility Authority in Florida will conduct a full-scale mock disaster exercise on Thursday, April 12.

The four-hour drill will involve a wide range of activities, including both live-action training as well as tabletop exercises. Activities will include pre- and post-hurricane scenarios that will be handled with the same intensity as real-life incidents.

A team of evaluators will observe the drill to identify vulnerabilities and exposures and make recommendations for improvements.

The drill will not affect normal utility operations.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. The nation's top hurricane forecaster, Dr. Bill Gray from Colorado State University, is predicting 17 named storms this year, with five of those becoming major hurricanes.