Chapter 16: Rehearsal: Why Plan, Exercise, and Drill for the Unexpected?

"Everyone thought we were crazy for drilling and preparing for terrorism." ” Jerry Hauer, former Director of the NYC office of Emergency Management, testifying before the 9 “11 Commission, May 19, 2004)

"There are many reasons why a manager should continually drill, test, conduct exercises and train for the unexpected. However, there are countless more reasons managers cite for NOT engaging in these activities. Unless management has a lock on predicting the future, the reality is hard to ignore. It is not if a disaster will happen but only when. The drilling, testing, and training for the unexpected prepares both individuals and organizations for the inevitable." ” Albert Marcella, Ph.D., Business Automation Consultants

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS CHAPTER

Emergency responders practice and rehearse their tools, equipment, skills and emotions on a regular basis because they know that the next incident is just around the corner. It is their job description, passion and profession to be prepared. A few short years ago corporate thinking assumed, like the just about everyone else, that such preparation was the sole domain of emergency first responders and medical personnel. Unfortunately that bubble is burst and now we know better. Reading this chapter will get you ready to get ready for any Emotional Continuity Management crisis.