Drills

Drills are a step up from Training in that they provide exclusively hands-on practicing of previously-learned skills. For example, members of the Emergency Call Center team learn in a classroom setting how to function in a call-taker role. During a drill, team members take phone calls, run through various scenarios and address complications presented by instructors.

At its core, a drill tests a single function or team. So, each response team should conduct a regular cycle of classroom training and hands-on drills to (1) orient new members, (2) maintain core knowledge, skills and abilities and (3) mature as a team.

Examples of campus emergency drills:

IT Disaster Recovery drill: Staff from various IT departments assembled to respond to a simulated total loss of power in the University's primary data center. Staff collaborated real-time to discuss appropriate actions, communications tactics and continuity efforts.

GIS/Mapping drill: GIS and Mapping staff were provided a fictitious scenario with many damaged buildings and obstructed roads. The team generated visual maps illustrating the scope of damage, closed roads, shelter areas, media centers, etc.

Run-Hide-Fight drills: Lab School teachers were provided the opportunity to experience active shooter scenarios in a controlled environment by practicing Run, Hide and Fight techniques. In the Run scenario, teachers ran out of their classrooms to areas of safety; in the Hide scenario, teachers barricaded rooms using furniture; in the Fight scenario, teachers used Nerf balls to simulate readily-available items to fend off an attacker.

Damage Assessment Team drill: Team members conducted pre-emergency assessments on University buildings. Assessments included identifying construction material, surrounding soil composition, date of construction, occupancy, etc.