Exercises
An exercise is simply a practice test of any emergency plans and procedures to familiarize responders with them, see if they work, and note how they can be improved. Exercises come in several levels. For a list of scheduled exercises, please use the link below.
http://www.vtemergencytraining.org/ - Open in New Window
Seminars
Seminars offer a low-stress environment led by a seminar leader and are generally employed to orient participants to plans, procedures, response resources, and concepts. Seminars provide a good starting point for jurisdictions that are developing their plans and procedures.
Workshops
Workshops are similar to seminars, but participant interaction is increased, and the focus is on achieving or building a product (such as a plan or a policy). Workshops provide an ideal forum for collecting or sharing information and team building.
Tabletop Exercises (TTXs)
Tabletops involve key personnel in an informal setting, discussing hypothetical scenarios. This type of exercise is aimed at facilitating understanding of concepts and identifying strengths and shortfalls. In a TTX players apply their knowledge and skills to a list of problems presented the leader/moderator, problems are discussed as a group, and resolution is generally agreed on and summarized by the leader.
Drills
Drills are a coordinated, supervised activity usually employed to test a single specific operation or function in a single agency. Drills are commonly used to provide hands-on training on new equipment, develop or test new policies or procedures, or practice and maintain current skills.
Functional Exercises
Functional exercises are generally focused on presenting complex and realistic problems that require rapid and effective responses in a highly stressful environment. Generally, events are projected through an exercise scenario with event updates that drive activity at the command/management level. Actual movement of personnel and equipment is simulated.
Full-Scale Exercises (FSEs)
Full-scale exercises are complex, multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional exercises conducted in a real-time, stressful environment that closely mirrors a real event. First responders and resources are actually mobilized and deployed to the “scene” where they conduct their actions as if a real incident had occurred (with minor exceptions). This provides an opportunity to execute plans, procedures, and cooperative (mutual aid) agreements. The exercise site is usually extensive with complex logistics, including supplying food and water to participants and volunteers. Safety issues must be monitored, and media outreach planned to avoid any misinterpretation of the event as real.
For More Information
More information on exercises can be found at the US Department of Homeland Security's Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
