Disaster Preparedness Program Conducts Functional Shaken Sanctuaries Exercise
DECEMBER 16, 2019 — On December 3-4, 2019, the Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) joined forces with the Office for National Marine Sanctuaries and other NOAA offices to hold a functional exercise called “Shaken Sanctuaries.”
This exercise simulated a 7.2 magnitude earthquake impacting the California area between Monterey and San Francisco. This area encompasses many NOAA offices as well as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. While those in California were simulating responses to the earthquake damage and secondary hazards such as chemical and oil spills, those in Silver Spring, Maryland requested critical personnel, mission, and infrastructure (PMI) information to pass up to leadership. The three exercise locations were supplemented by NOAA staff who were able to play remotely to provide realistic, situational information.
Currently, the Exercise Planning Team is compiling participant feedback and comments and will develop an After Action Report. This report captures both the great things that were accomplished during the exercise as well as areas identified for further improvement. NOS uses these types of exercises to ensure our plans, policies, and procedures all work as we imagine during a disaster situation. It’s vital to exercise to ensure our staff are confident and well-trained for the next disaster.
The final After Action Report is expected to be completed by the beginning of February 2020.
For more information about this exercise, please contact Katie.Krushinski@noaa.gov.