News 12 at six o'clock, Wednesday, September 1, 2010

AUGUSTA,Ga---You call them when you need help. The city of Augusta and Fort Gordon are joining forces to make sure 911 always answer when you call.

We got exclusive access to Augusta's 911 Communications Center.

They were training for expanded roles with Fort Gordon.

The mayor signed a joint agreement with Fort Gordon to make sure that even in a worst case scenario someone is there when you call 911.

"They can feel safe in knowing that if something happens," said director Phillip Wasson. "We can actually move our operation out to Fort Gordon."

The same is true for Fort Gordon. If something happens on base they can move their operation to Augusta's location. The city spends millions to keep the command center operational.

"If you look around you will see where that money is spent," said Wasson. "It is well spent."

The center receives more than 2,000 phone calls on a daily basis.

A $3 million budget funds things like touch-screen phones.

"In that emergency situation you want things to be seamless," noted Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver. "We're a community that has a high risk factor. With SRS, with Plant Vogtle, and a strong manufacturing base...the better that we can co-ordinate on these services the better it is for our community."