Besides, the exercises don’t just train individual employees. It also helps build teams and camaraderie between team members to work together during an emergency. 

Performing contingency drills and exercise 

The best way to perform contingency drills and exercises is by creating as realistic a disaster scenario as possible. It should be based on real and relevant data where possible like actual trading routes. 

While the scenario may revolve around two or more time phases with various possible outcomes, they shouldn’t be too complicated or long. It’s, in fact, better to test just one system at a time. 

The organization decides if the stimulation exercise should be carried out as a paper exercise, through mock activities or a combination of both. Whatever chosen, make sure there is a post-mortem session. Not only should results be declared, but a review should be conducted showing where changes and additional training is required. 

It’s only after testing, and perfecting the individual components of disaster control response should a full-scale disaster response simulation exercise be attempted. However, it is important that all contingency drills and exercises are performed without creating any panic or outbreaks in the public and media.

Training

Everyone should be trained in their respective roles, duties, and responsibilities during the drills and exercises. It goes without saying that those responsible for leadership and important positions need more intense training. 

It’s also important to bear in mind that there’s the possibility of some staff member being absent, or being relieved during a disaster. Contingency management involves being ready for these situations, by training back-up staff for the relevant positions. 

Updates

It’s not enough to just perform exercises and drills. No contingency plan is permanent. It will always have to be updated based on the latest and present political and global scenario. 

This means that all relevant documents need to be periodically reviewed and updated to match the needs of changing circumstances like changes in national or global legislation and based on experiences within the country or from other countries. 

Visit https://riskintelligence.eu/for more information about contingency drills and exercise.