Are California first responders ready for disaster?

SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Local, state and federal emergency responders began preparing Tuesday for potential disasters in a two-day drill.

The 2014 Western Region Multi-Task Force exercise, known as MOBEX Drill, is designed to test the readiness of the state's response system.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Orange County fire Authority, Sacramento Fire Department, Federal Emergency Management Agency and California Office of Emergency Services teams were among the groups involved.

In Sherman Oaks, K9 teams practiced early Tuesday morning, finding victims in the event of an earthquake. A dog searched through debris piles and barked when it found a live person. Teams also used a drone to gather real-time information.

At Universal Studios, teams prepared to find survivors of a fake plane wreckage.

"It's a chance for us to evaluate our personnel, our equipment and our capabilities," LAFD Fire Capt. Rick Godinez said. "We get new team members all the time, so we need to be ready."

The official drill began at 10 a.m. with an earthquake scenario set in Los Angeles. First responders and search and rescue teams are expected to be deployed.

Other disaster exercises were scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Universal Studios, Castaic Lake, a Los Angeles Fire Department station in Sherman Oaks and Del Valle Training Center.