DC HSEMA Conducted Ward-focused Exercises for the Whole Community

CNA supported the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) with a series of “Whole Community” tabletop exercises (engaging public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders, as well as DC residents) targeted toward all eight wards within the District. The exercises occurred throughout September, which the President, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia designated as National Preparedness Month.

Each two-hour exercise was a facilitator-led, discussion-based activity. The exercise scenario related to severe weather similar to the District’s summer derecho, which was a vast windstorm accompanied by a band of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Participants were asked to consider the events and their significance for their respective ward, the actions they would take, and the measures that would better prepare them for such an event.

Representatives from key agencies were in attendance, including from the Office of the Mayor, the DC Council, HSEMA, Police, Fire, and Public Works.