Hurricane Preparedness Exercises Press Kit

The devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma highlighted the need for all levels of government to examine and revise coordination and response plans in anticipation of a catastrophic storm striking the United States. Secretary Chertoff directed the Preparedness Directorate’s Office of Grants and Training to design, develop, conduct and evaluate hurricane preparedness tabletop exercises for states along the U.S. Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The Preparedness Directorate’s Office of Grants and Training, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is leading this Hurricane Preparedness Exercise (HPE) series.

The Department has established an aggressive schedule of five regional tabletop exercises (TTXs) preceded by preparatory activities, such as Senior Leader Seminars and Mobile Education Teams. The discussion-based tabletop exercises will include representatives from Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard states and territories in FEMA regions I, II, III, IV and VI.  Participation includes representatives from federal, state and local, territory and tribal governments, as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector.

The exercises will leverage identified lessons learned and best practices determined through an analysis of 2005 hurricane-related after-action reports (AARs).  The regional construct of the exercises will allow them to serve as forums for top officials to address the communication and coordination challenges that could arise if a catastrophic storm were to strike.

Press Kit Materials

• DHS Drills for 2006 Hurricane Season, May 4, 2006  
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference, April 12, 2006
• About Hurricanes - general information from FEMA about hurricanes, including what to do before, during and after a storm

More Information on the Hurricane Preparedness Exercises will be posted as it becomes available.  For media inquiries, please call the DHS Press Office at 202-282-8010.