Training and exercises play a large role at the Office of Preparedness and Response (OP&R). We prioritize workforce development and our staff is required to take National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) courses. The Office of Preparedness and Response also regularly plans and participates in various exercises with preparedness partners from accross the state. These realistic, but risk-free exercises provide the opportunity to practice prevention, response, and recovery capabilities.
For example, OP&R, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and other state partners participate each year in an exercise to assess Maryland's ability to respond to an emergency at the Calvert Cliffs or Peach Bottom nuclear power plant facilities.
OP&R also holds regular tabletop exercises (TTXs). These are discussion-based sessions where people meet to talk about their roles and responses to a simulated emergency. They can be used to assess plans, policies, and procedures and to identify areas for improvement. TTXs can cover a variety of topics including: chemical hazards, hospital preparedness, cyber attacks, extreme heat, pandemics and more.
Holding regular exercises like these ensures that Maryland is prepared and ready for any future health emergencies that could affect the citizens of our state.
Exercise Development Process