The primary purpose of this tabletop exercise is to enhance the ability of utilities in Florida to respond to hurricanes using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) framework. This goal of this exercise is to improve FlaWARN’s capability to react and assist in emergencies, brainstorm better ways to help each other, and bring together member utilities, and local and state agencies to effectively prepare for, manage, and respond to water infrastructure consequences resulting from a hurricane.

 

This exercise emphasizes the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of the FlaWARN programs, member utilities, State Emergency Management Agencies, local EOC’s, EMAC Coordinators, and other stakeholders during a response to drinking water and wastewater-related consequences resulting from a hurricane.  While the scenario focuses on hurricanes, plans, policies, and procedures should be assessed from an all-hazards perspective.

 

This will be a facilitated tabletop exercise.  The exercise begins with a scenario narrative presented to the audience by an exercise facilitator.  The scenario provides the backdrop that drives participant discussion.  Following the scenario narrative, the facilitator will guide participants through a series of discussion points that allow the participants an opportunity to describe their actions, decisions, and notifications as necessitated by the situation or a change in resource status.  Participants will be organized in small groups and will discuss specific pre-identified questions in the individual groups first.  Then the small groups will present their key discussion points to the full group of participants.  Participants are encouraged to ask questions of other participants.  Immediately following the discussion period, the facilitator will lead a “hot wash” session section among participants, including small group discussions, to highlight key elements discussed during the tabletop exercise.

 

The ability to respond to an incident is important due to potential magnitude of natural disasters that may hit this geographic part of the US, and the widespread extent of potential damages that may overwhelm an intrastate response. 

The exercise is designed to address the following objectives:

·       Review utility and FlaWARN preparedness and planning measures for a large scale hurricane response.

·       Review the role of the local EOC, state, and local utility and emergency management agencies during  responses that facilitate water sector resource requests

·       Review the tools that may help a utility prepare and respond to a large natural disaster requiring assistance across state lines

 

Participants of the tabletop exercise will include response partners from the following agencies:

FRWA, FlaWARN, FDEP and FDEM.

 

Players respond to the situation presented based on expert knowledge of response procedures, current plans and procedures, and insights derived from training and experience.

Facilitators lead the exercise by presenting the scenario narrative and facilitating the discussion period and hot wash.  They also provide additional information or resolve questions as required. Key planning team members may also assist with facilitation as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) during the discussion.

Recorders capture the discussions of the exercise in written form.

 

In any tabletop exercise, a number of assumptions and artificialities may be necessary to complete the exercise in the time allotted.  Participation in the discussion is in accordance with the assumptions and guidelines below:

·       The scenario is plausible, and events occur as presented

·       There are no “hidden agendas” or trick questions

·       All participants receive information at the same time

 

A successful tabletop exercise also depends on following the rules below, which have been proven to ensure effective discussion.

·       There is no single solution

·       Varying viewpoints, even disagreements are expected

·       Dialogue encouraged within a safe, open, stress-free environment

·       Respond based on your individual knowledge and response experience

·       Your organization’s positions or policies do not limit you

·       Make your best decision based on the circumstances presented

·       Assume cooperation and support from other responders and agencies

·       Basis for discussion consists of scenario narratives, your experience, your understanding, and your intuition

·       All information required to drive discussion during the tabletop exercise is contained in the exercise materials

·       Treat the scenario as if it might affect your area

·       Don’t “fight” the scenario