Practicing the Plan

Levels of Practice and Exercises

Training

Once an Emergency Management Response Plan is completed, all personnel need to be trained.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that this training be:

·        Informal

·        Not a simulation

·        Includes a discussion of Roles and Responsibilities

·        Introduces related Policies, Procedures, Plans and Responsibilities

Conducting Drills

It is essential to practice the Plan periodically to make sure that it works, and that all personnel understand their roles.  There are typically four ways to accomplish this goal:

1.      DRILL

·        An informal discussion of simulated emergencies

·        May test a single component or function of the Emergency Management Response Plan ( for example, a "lock-down drill)

·        May only involve one or more supporting agency

2.      TABLETOP EXERCISE

·        An informal discussion of simulated emergencies

·        No time pressures

·        Low stress

·        Useful for evaluating plans and procedures

·        Helpful to resolve questions of coordination and responsibility

3.      FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE

·        An informal discussion of simulated emergencies

·        Policy and coordination personnel will practice all or part of the Emergency Management Response Plan

·        More stressful and realistic simulation of real life situations

·        Usually takes place in “real time”

·        Emphasizes the emergency functions of the Emergency Response Plan.  Examples might include perimeter security (securing all doors of the school), utility shut-downs, and accounting for all the people who should be in the school at the time (to include students and staff).

·        School’s Emergency Response Team is activated.

4.      FULL SCALE EXERCISE

·        Takes place in “real time”

·        Employs real people and equipment, some from the district and some from community resources that would be anticipated to support the school in crisis

·        Coordinates many agencies and functions, both internal and external to the district

·        Intended to test several emergency functions, either concurrently or in sequence

·        Could involve activating an emergency operation center (EOC)

·        Produces High Stress