What is a tabletop exercise?

Introduction: The tabletop exercise is a Definition: A tabletop exercise is an

meeting to discuss a simulated emergency activity in which key personnel assigned
situation. Members of the campus review emergency management roles and
and discuss the actions they would take in responsibilities are gathered to discuss, in
a particular emergency, testing their a non-threatening environment, various
emergency plan in an informal, low-stress simulated emergency situations.
environment. Tabletop exercises are used
to clarify roles and responsibilities and to
identify additional campus mitigation and Major Elements:
preparedness needs. The exercise should Policy level personnel evaluate plans
result in action plans for continued and procedures
improvement of the emergency plan. Resolution of coordination and
responsibility questions
Participant Expectations: Facilitated group discussion
Be willing to engage in the Advantages:
conversation
Low stress environment
Challenge yourself and others in a
Low cost
cordial manner
Ongoing evaluation
It is OK to not have an answer
Facilitated group discussion of
Accept the scenario and work within
problem areas
the presented parameters
Disadvantages:
Facilitator Expectations:
Lacks realism
Control pace and flow of exercise
Not a true test of operational
Stimulate discussion; draw out
capability
answers and solutions from group
Provides only a superficial review of
Evaluator Expectations: an organization’s overall plan
Identify strengths and areas of
improvement
Assist in development of After Action
Report
Observer Expectations:
Participate in discussion when asked

emergencymgt@mhub.uwpd.wisc.edu Updated May 9, 2012