Virtual Tabletop Exercise - Long Term Power Outage

General:  

EMI conducts a series of VTTX using a video teleconference (VTC) platform to reach community-based training audiences around the country and provide a virtual forum for disaster training. The VTTX process involves key personnel from the emergency management community of practice reviewing a pre-packaged set of exercise materials, then convening for a four-hour tabletop exercise discussion of a simulated disaster scenario with a total of 10-15 individual sites.

The event allows the connected sites to assess current plans, policies, and procedures while learning from the other connected sites, as they provide their perspective and practice while exercising a similar situation.  A VTC system is required for participation; there is no cost for this program.

Target Audience:

The VTTX program is designed for a “community-based” group (not individual participation) of at least five or more personnel from local or State emergency management organizations with representation from all emergency management disciplines - public safety, public works, public health, health care, government, administrative, communications, military, private sector, non-governmental, and critical stress professionals.

Exercise Design:

This VTTX is designed to engage the participants in a no fault, hazard-specific exercise discussion.  Facilitation will occur via VTC from the EMI campus and will be complimented by a dedicated local agency facilitator at each VTC site.

The VTTX will consist of: 

• Three discussion modules.
• Local discussion with guided questions led by an onsite facilitator.
• Back briefs from each participating location after each module.

To Apply:

Locations interested in participating in the VTTX series should submit an email request to participate in the exercise to Doug Kahn, phone (301) 447-7645, with preferred date of participation.  This link can also be accessed at the following address: douglas.kahn@fema.dhs.gov.  Your email is your program application.  When applying, please provide a central point of contact from your organization to work all VTTX issues.  Each location will receive a notice from EMI and will be provided with relevant logistical information and exercise materials to set up and facilitate the exercise locally.

The FEMA Form 119-25-2 is not required to be submitted until the VTTX is completed.  With your request, cc in your email the Integrated Emergency Management Branch or call 301-447-1381 email: fema-emi-iemb@fema.dhs.gov

Participation Requirements:

The VTTX will be limited to approximately 10-15 locations per broadcast.  Participating locations must have an appropriate site equipped with VTC capability (this is not an Adobe Connect® session) that can access the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) VTC site (connection information will be provided by EMI).  Participating locations will be responsible for local exercise logistics, and should designate an exercise coordinator to implement the logistical requirements for the exercise.  In addition, the location must provide a person capable of facilitating the onsite portion of the exercise.  Electronic copies of the related exercise materials (Exercise and Coordination Facilitation Guide, Situation Manual, agenda, etc.) will be provided in advance by EMI.

VTTX Program Information:

For a complete listing of all the FY19 VTTX dates and scenarios, please check our homepage at Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Virtual Tabletop Exercise (VTTX).  This link can also be accessed at the following address: http://www.training.fema.gov/programs/emivttx.aspx

EMI Point of Contact:

For additional information, contact the course manager, Doug Kahn at (301) 447-7645 or by email at douglas.kahn@fema.dhs.gov.

The VTTX will be supported by an Exercise and Coordination Facilitation Guide, which will include all required logistical information (room layout, connection instructions, etc.), as well as facilitation and hot wash instructions.