Emergency Management Director how-to

How to Run a Tabletop Exercise

Tabletops test plans without deploying resources.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Tabletops test plans without deploying resources. In short: set; write; invite, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Set objectives.

  2. Write a realistic scenario.

  3. Invite key partners.

  4. Present the scenario in stages.

  5. Facilitate discussion of decisions.

  6. Write an after-action report.

Safety reminders for emergency management directors

  • Plan for responder safety in every operation
  • Manage fatigue during long activations
  • Use clear, accurate public messaging
  • Coordinate safety with all agencies

ICS · NIMS · EOC · EOP · Hazard mitigation · Continuity of operations: see the full emergency management director glossary.

More emergency management director how-to guides

Learn this in Emergency Management Director trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz