Talking Stick - November/December 2011 - 35

When one node of the network is taken out in an emergency, like water or the Internet, then larger, interconnected parts of the network are cut off from this resource as well. This type of malfunction would require internal and external assistance.

parts of the network are cut off from this resource as well. This type of malfunction would require internal and external assistance. A tabletop exercise pinpoints who these players are and how they need to work together. Participation in the exercise may also change based on the goals. “You may want a small-scale version [of a tabletop exercise] to engage a new group of responders to provoke conversation and introduce the core components of a crisis management plan. Alternatively, you may want to create a detailed, fast-paced simulation

to provide something close to a real experience, so responders develop some clear frames of reference that will be important when responding in an actual emergency,” Buck explains. When it comes time to conduct the tabletop exercise, steps must be taken to ensure that it is engaging. Plumley notes that engaging the players is essential, because staff tend to “check out” during the exercises that don’t demand their attention. Students
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[they think] a fire is never going to happen here or a tornado is never going to happen here.” However, when there is strong leadership, participants will focus and assess at a higher level: “If you don’t get management support for this, it won’t work. If the bosses are doing it, you’re going to be doing it.” UC-Riverside utilizes exercises involving smaller groups to combat the consistent problem of limited resources and time. “One thing we are experiencing right now is [balancing] workload and setting aside time to do these things,” Plumley explains. In many cases housing units can function and practice autonomously, but Buck notes that different incident scenarios can call for a unique audience: “If, for example, you are training an RA staff, then the housing and residential life staff may be best positioned to coordinate, with some help from a couple of key offices.” However, if the scenario is broad enough, it may require the resources of the entire institution, including housing, emergency management, and public health and safety departments. Bujak depicts the functional network of a college or university as a codependent one. When one node of the network is taken out in an emergency, like water or the Internet, then larger, interconnected

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Talking Stick - November/December 2011

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