Key Definition

Exercise: An instrument to train for, assess, practice, and improve performance in prevention, protection, response, and recoverycapabilities in a risk-free environment. Exercises can be used for: testing and validating policies, plans, procedures, training, equipment, and interagency agreements; clarifying and training personnel in roles and responsibilities; improving interagency coordination and communications; identifying gaps in resources; improving individual performance; and identifying opportunities for improvement.  

Resources

Click on a link below to access exercise and drill resources.

• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Toolkit
• Planning and Evaluating Exercises and Drills
• Tabletop Scenarios
• Developing After-Action Reports

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Toolkit

The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) is a capabilities- and performance-based exercise program that provides standardized policy, doctrine, and terminology for the design, development, conduct, and evaluation of homeland security exercises. The online toolkit includes resources related to policy, guidance, and developing exercises as well as links to courses such as:

• Volume I: HSEEP Overview and Exercise Management Program
• Volume II: Exercise Planning and Conduct
• Volume III: Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning
• Volume IV: Sample Exercise Materials
• IS-120.A: An Introduction to Exercises
• IS-130: Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning

Available at the HSEEP Web site: https://hseep.dhs.gov

Planning and Evaluating Exercises and Drills  

• District-Wide Emergency Drill Site Observer Checklist
• Emergency Drill Evaluator Checklist
• Emergency Drill Planning Checklist
• Shelter-in-Place Drill Checklist
• Tips for Evaluating Exercise Performance
• Training and Exercise Plan Workshop User’s Handbook

Tabletop Scenarios

• Earthquake Scenario — Instructor: DOC|PDF       Student: DOC|PDF
• Fire and Explosion Scenario — Instructor: DOC|PDF       Student: DOC|PDF
• Hazardous Materials Scenario — Instructor: DOC|PDF       Student: DOC|PDF
• Hostage Scenario — Instructor: DOC|PDF       Student: DOC|PDF
• Intruder Scenario — Instructor: DOC|PDF       Student: DOC|PDF

Developing After-Action Reports/Improvement Plans 

• After-Action Reports: Capturing Lessons Learned and Identifying Areas for Improvement
• Dakota County Pandemic Influenza Tabletop Exercise After-Action Report/Improvement Plan