Question

A mock exercise is described as which type of exercise in terms of comprehensiveness?

• A. The simplest
• B. The most theoretical
• C. The most comprehensive
• D. A discussion-based exercise

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The most comprehensive

Disaster management exercises are categorized by their complexity and the level of resources involved. They typically follow a continuum from less to more comprehensive:

1. Seminars/Workshops (Discussion-Based): Least comprehensive. Focus on discussion, policy review.

2. Tabletop Exercises (TTX - Discussion-Based): More detailed discussion of a scenario, but still theoretical.

3. Drills (Operations-Based): Focus on a single specific operation or function (e.g., evacuation drill, fire extinguisher drill). Limited scope.

4. Functional Exercises (Operations-Based): Test multiple functions within an organization or across several agencies in a simulated real-time environment. They simulate operations but typically without actual physical deployment to a scene (e.g., a command center exercise).

5. Full-Scale Exercises (FSE - Operations-Based): The most comprehensive. These exercises:

   • Simulate a real event as closely as possible.

   • Involve multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

   • Require actual physical deployment of personnel and resources to an exercise site.

   • Are conducted in a real-time, highly stressful, and lifelike environment.

   • Test and evaluate almost all functions of the emergency management plan, including command and control, communications, logistics, operations, and public information.