| The EBRP OEP has an ongoing commitment to the
citizens of EBRP. A major focus is the commitment to Public Awareness. Through
Public Awareness we will educate and train citizens of all ages of the hazards
that exist as well as how to prepare and respond in the event of an emergency.
It is only through this educational process that the loss of life, personal
injury and damage to property can be minimized. As part of our continuing Public Awareness
Campaign, the EBRP Office of Emergency Preparedness sponsors exercises for
students in the EBRP School system to encompass disasters that could occur in
EBRP.
SYNOPSIS OF YOUTH EXERCISE
PROGRAM
The exercise is based on a scenario or a
predetermined sequence of events occurring during a simulated emergency. Through
exercises, players work together as a team to reach the common goal of an
effective coordinated response to any emergency in the parish, thus minimizing
the potential catastrophic effects or threat to the health and safety of the
public.
The exercise takes place in the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC), located in the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Each
student assumes the role in the EOC of a person that would normally occupy the
role during activation. Mentors from local industry, citizens groups,
community volunteers and emergency responders are assigned to each student to
guide their progress. Each student is involved in decision making to handle
the response efforts by working with other public safety representatives in the
EOC in coordination of shelters, road closures, school closures, evacuation, and
any situation that may require the response of the department they represent.
This exercise shows the students what happens
during a real disaster. In addition to learning about disasters, this exercise
offers opportunities for enhanced team-building skills, communication skills,
and a better knowledge and understanding of the response and coordination
process.
Once the exercise is over, a debriefing is held.
The students discuss the activities of the exercise and lessons learned.
Students receive a certificate of appreciation and welcomed snacks.
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