FARMINGTON — Franklin County will participate in parts of Operation Vigilant Guard on Wednesday and Thursday, Franklin County Emergency Director Tim Hardy said.

Vigilant Guard is an exercise that begins with a simulated ice storm, followed by simulated blizzard conditions and frigid temperatures. Other training scenarios will unfold around the state, including simulated bus accidents, potential intruders, bomb threats, possible terrorist threats, hazardous materials incidents, collapsed structures and cybersecurity breaches.

The exercise began Monday and ends Friday. Franklin County Emergency Management will participate from 8 a.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday.

The exercise is a test of the communications and Emergency Operation Center capabilities during an emergency.

Hardy, Assistant Director Amanda Simoneau and local amateur radio communication personnel will be in the Emergency Operations Center at the Franklin County Courthouse on Main Street during the 24-hour exercise.

Interested citizens can visit to observe the exercise. For further information, contact the EMA office at 778-5892 or Lynette C. Miller at 1-800-452-8735.