How to Conduct an Annual Test

An annual test need not be an intensive event that disrupts operations or diverts critical resources. It may be as simple as a one-hour staff meeting. However, the saying, "you get out what you put in," applies quite nicely here. The following section will serve as your basic guide to conducting such a test.

In any periodic testing it is particularly important to involve, in some form, all those individuals impacted by any changes in your plan, or those likely to be called on to respond in the event of an actual emergency. This includes, but may not be limited to, your volunteers and/or board of directors.

Remember: If you do not test the plan it may not work in a real emergency.

It is important that you test your plan (at least) once a year. If there have been any significant changes, you may need to conduct a test to ensure that everyone is aware of the new situation. More frequent tests are advised. Consider having quarterly (or even monthly) tests.

Your plan can be tested in stages, or levels ranging from the "table-top exercise" to a full-scale simulation of a post-disaster situation.

Staff: Conduct a test of the plan in a realistic fashion and with ample warning to all employees that the plan is being tested.

Volunteers: If your organization depends upon the efforts of volunteers, particularly if this reliance may be heightened in times of disaster, then it is especially critical that they be tested periodically.

Board of Directors: Do not conduct CPDR "under the radar." Doing so will virtually guaranty that your plan, and likewise your organization's preparedness, will suffer. As the providers of organizational guidance and governance, as well as resources and contacts, your board of directors should be intimately involved in the CPDR review and testing process.