Exercise Alternatives for Training Emergency Management Command Center Staffs

By Walter Guerry Green III

Emergency management provides the coordination needed to develop an effective community response to disasters. This critical public safety function is typically performed in mobile command posts in the field and in the jurisdiction's emergency operations center. Preparing individuals who will work in these facilities to perform their tasks under emergency conditions requires effective and realistic exercise training.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a five model exercise design for progressive training of emergency management staffs. This study examines the history and theoretical basis for exercises. From this background, it suggests alternatives to these five models to provide greater flexibility in delivery, options for specialized training in decision making, exercises that will support all phases of emergency management, and options for increased realism. Among the alternatives suggested are Tactical Decision Games, What-If Exercises, Postal Exercises, and a variety of simulation tools. The book is accompanied by a detailed appendix that provides specific instructions for each exercise type.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581127480
• ISBN13: 9781581127485
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Universal Publishers
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Source

This is an excellent reference source for the student of emergency management. The information contained within is very simple yet detailed. Whoever has taken the IS-120 or IS-239 courses through FEMA than this book is a must from which to build on that knowledge. University of Richmond Emergency Management Student

Very useful

The examination of alternative approaches to / forms of exercises is useful. I intend to use this as a source in my doctoral dissertation -- not yet sure how extensively.

Adopted to complement a graduate EM course

This book fills much needed gaps in the strict HSEEP hierarchy. Too often the HSEEP models are like trying to kill a fly with a shotgun. The suggested alternatives provide for effective and efficient training and evaluation events. Short-staffed offices with minimal budgets will find these to be the ticket.

Excellent Overview and Guidebook

If you are a planner or trainer that deals with teams of people who must respond to emergent, rare, extraordinary and/or complex events, this book is an outstanding value. Covering the spectrum of tabletop discussions or exercises, "paper" drills, and full field drills, this book offers lots of insight into design and effective use, and tons of ideas on how to develop low-cost approaches that you can use to get people together to discuss, plan, train for, or "pre-experience" almost any type of event or incident you can conceive. I have recommended this book to others, and lent my copy to someone who hasn't yet returned it! My background is in emergency medical services and I am currently active in designing training approaches to some unique "homeland security" scenarios in other fields, and this book has and will continue to be a valuable aid.