APTA SS-SEM-S-004-09

drills, exercises, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), security, terrorism.

Summary

 Drills and exercises allow frontline employees to senior officials to validate training and to practice strategic and tactical prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities in a risk-reduced environment. Exercises are the primary tool for assessing preparedness and identifying areas for improvement, while demonstrating community resolve to prepare for and prepare recovery from major incidents. Well-designed and well-executed exercises are the most effective means of assessing and validating policies, plans, procedures, training, equipment, assumptions and interagency agreements; clarifying roles and responsibilities; improving interagency coordination and communications; identifying gaps in resources; measuring performance; and identifying opportunities for improvement. The basis of an effective exercise program employs a cycle of increasingly complex exercises with scenarios that are realistic and threat-based through a systematic evaluation program.