FEMA procedures for organizing full-scale emergency exercises

FEMA

The American Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a series of specific and general exercises including the full-scale exercise. A full-scale exercise is a major activity that takes place on location in the most realistic setting possible. Moreover, the full-scale exercise involves as many governmental or non-governmental organizations as possible. The full-scale exercise "differs from a drill in that a drill focuses on a single operation and exercises only one organization," (FEMA p. 7.2). Moreover, there is more to a full-scale exercise than merely "practice in the field," (FEMA 7.2).

One of the functions of FEMA's full-scale exercises is to facilitate and maximize coordination efforts. Various bodies must be involved in the full-scale exercise. A full-scale exercise is "as close to the real thing as possible," which allows for full realism and greater response effectiveness (FEMA p. 7.2). The full-scale exercise is unique in that it is comprised of several components: (a) field realism; (b) full coordination of efforts between and among organizations; (c) full equipment and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The steps involve in designing a full-scale exercise are as follows:

1. Planning

Design the full-scale exercise in accordance with training and personnel needs.

Alert member organizations and EOC as to the intentions to plan and coordinate the full-scale exercise.

Create a team that helps facilitate the design of the full-scale exercise program.

2. Coordination

Achieve realism via the recruitment of personnel and the development of specific sites.