Exercise-in-a-Box Tabletop Bundles

The Exercise-In-a-Box Tabletop (also known as TTXs) Bundles are a ready-to-use training tool that simulate real-world scenarios commonly faced by special events in the North Central Region. They are designed to help event organizers, staff, and volunteers test and improve their completed Emergency Action Plan (EAP). 

What's Included in Each Bundle:

Each scenario bundle includes the following materials:

• Situation Manual (SitMan): Distributed to participants, this outlines the exercise scenario, objectives, and key discussion questions.
• Facilitator PowerPoint: A visual aid to guide the exercise, aligned with the SitMan and structured to promote engagement.
• Facilitator Guide: Step-by-step instructions, suggested talking points, and prompts to help lead each module of the TTX.
• Evaluator Guide: Tool to document observations, track critical tasks, and support development of improvement recommendations.

Exercise Structure:

• Duration: 2 hours or less
• Modules: 3 modules included in each exercise bundle.
• Wrap-Up: Ends with a hotwash discussion, an informal discussion to capture lessons learned and recommended EAP improvements.

Getting Started:

1. Review Your EAP: Ensure your plan is finalized and distributed.
2. Choose a Scenario Bundle: Select one of the three scenarios provided.
3. Assign Roles: Identify facilitator and evaluator ahead of time.
4. Distribute SitMan: Provide participants with the SitMan at the start of the exercise.
5. Run the TTX: Follow the facilitator guide and PowerPoint for a smooth, engaging session.
6. Conduct a Post Exercise Review Discussion: Capture feedback and document improvement items.

Scenario Flexibility:

While each scenario is grounded in common regional hazards, they may not perfectly match your event's type and size. Facilitators are encouraged to:

• Use provided prompts and questions to guide discussion
• Adapt or create a new scenario that more closely aligns with your event
• Substitute injects while keeping discussion objectives intact to reduce exercise artificiality

Goals:

• Familiarize staff with the EAP layout and content
• Reinforce how to locate key response information
• Clarify roles and communication protocols
• Identify and address gaps in the EAP before the event occurs

How-to Guides:

• How-To Guide for TTX Bundles - PowerPoint(PPTX, 25MB)
• Guía de Uso Paquetes de Ejercicio de Simulación de Mesa - PowerPoint(PPTX, 25MB)
• Instruction Guide for TTX Bundles(DOCX, 147KB)
• Guia de Instrucciones para el Ejercicio de Mesa(DOCX, 148KB)

For more information on Emergency Action Plans, check out the Emergency Action Plan Toolkit and Training Modules page.