The Preparation phase is the period of physical and logistical readiness leading up to the exercise. After the high-level planning is complete, this phase focuses on ensuring that all participants are ready and aligned.
The orientation and coordination conference is a crucial event within this phase. Its primary purpose is to:
Align all participants: Bring together personnel from all participating agencies and organizations to review the exercise objectives, scenario, and schedule.
Clarify roles and responsibilities: Ensure that every individual understands their specific duties and how they fit into the overall response structure. This helps to prevent confusion during the actual exercise.
Address logistical details: Finalize plans for communication, safety protocols, and the deployment of resources.
Build relationships: Foster inter-agency rapport and trust, which is essential for effective collaboration during both the mock exercise and a real-world emergency.
