Emerson Participates in ‘Tabletop’ Emergency Management Exercise

Boston-based staff members from departments across the College took part in an Emergency Management Tabletop exercise on Wednesday, November 20, in order to practice the communication and decision-making skills that would be used in the event of a true campus emergency.

The exercise was in keeping with best practices as required by the CLERY Act, and included representatives from Emerson College Police, Risk Management, Residence Life and Education, Information Technology, Office of the Arts, Marketing and Communication, crisis management teams, and other campus administrators.

This year’s tabletop simulated a scenario with three dynamic, scripted escalations that required multifaceted responses by all personnel involved. Participants were required to make decisions and re-allocate resources to address an injured victim and, eventually, a barricaded subject with a weapon. Participants also were asked to utilize and challenge current protocols and policies to address emergency situations.

Afterward, participants were debriefed and given evaluation forms to prompt discussions on what was learned and ways to develop existing policies and protocols. For more information on Emerson College Emergency Preparedness and Procedures, visit https://emerson.edu/departments/emergency-management.