Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
◾
Steps in the design and implementation of an exercise
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The process and tools used for evaluation
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How to track the exercise results to maximize the efforts
This material does
not
address operations-based exercises, Homeland Security
Exercise, and Evaluation guidance, and does
not
address how to develop and imple-
ment a multiyear exercise program.
Each type of exercise is presented in detail along with a guide that will refer you
to the correct materials and templates in the appendices. These materials can then
be adapted to your organization's specific needs.
Why Have an Exercise?
The world is always changing, and the risks and hazards that confront our organi-
zations and communities also evolve. Private and public organizations including
jurisdictions, agencies, departments, and corporations are expected or required to
mitigate risks, prepare, respond, and recover in a timely manner. In order to do so,
organizations must have a comprehensive and integrated capability and capacity in
place. The best way to validate the capability and capacity to meet any worst-case
scenario is through exercises.
BOX 10.1 REGULATORY REASONS TO EXERCISE
Governments, agencies, corporations, and certifying entities mandate pre-
paredness training and exercising. The following is a very brief list:
◾
State and local governments are required to comply with the DHS
HSEEP multiyear exercise and evaluation program.
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Nuclear power plants must exercise their plans yearly with a full-
scale exercise every two years evaluated by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC).
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Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Title
III requires that certain facilities that produce, use, or store hazardous
materials conduct yearly exercises and evaluation of their hazardous
materials response recovery plan.
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Airports, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities must conduct a full-
scale exercise once every two years to maintain their certification or
license to operate.
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Many employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) to develop an emergency action plan. OSHA
recommends that such plans be exercised at least annually.
