Severe Weather Tabletop Exercise

snow storm.

Instructions

To make the most effective use of our time, prior to our exercise:

  1. Review your Crisis Documentation, tools and information resources
  2. Review the entire contents of this exercise website

 

Purpose

  • Provide Participants with an opportunity to review response concepts, plans, and capabilities.
  • Identify ways to enhance our preparedness for snow emergencies and inclement weather events.

Time and Location

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Target Capabilities Reviewed

  • Planning
  • Communications
  • Emergency Information and Warning

Key Issues to Explore

  • How to staff a severe, area-wide weather event that lasts several days, and requires 24x7 updates.
  • What is the essential content that we need to communicate, and what can we plan in advance?
  • Life safety issues in which we can make a difference.

Exercise Format

The exercise is based on a developing scenario. - After reviewing the developing scenario in each module, players will discuss the corresponding prompts, and detail any actions to be taken. 

Each module begins with a brief multimedia update that summarizes the key events.  Participants will review the situation and discuss appropriate response issues.

Exercise Assumptions

During this exercise, the following apply:

  • The scenario is plausible and events occur as they are presented
  • There is no “hidden agenda.” There are no trick questions.
  • All players receive information at the same time.
  • When possible, discussions and decision-making should be informed first by plans, policies, and procedures that are already in place. If this presents an obstacle, the group should discuss and revise decision-making and come to consensus where possible.  

Exercise Guidelines

Due to time constraints, groups are not expected to be able to work through this entire exercise. However, the following guidelines may be helpful:

  • This is a no-fault exercise designed to  explore policies, decisions, actions, and relevant issues. Participants will respect each others’ observations, opinions, and perspectives.
  • Responses should be based on your knowledge of current plans and capabilities
  • Make suggestions and recommended actions that could improve response and preparedness efforts. Problem-solving efforts are the primary goal.
  • Keep the time constraints in mind and comments focused, where possible.

Participants

Crisis Communications Team

First Module (1: Milk, Eggs & Bread)