Communications
Exercise Evaluation Guide
Exercise Evaluation Guide Submittal
As the evaluator you will need to submit your Observations, Recommendations and Performance Ratings into the ONX
System following the completion of the exercise.
Following the exercise, access www.onxsystem.com then login using your USER NAME and PASSWORD. Once you
have logged in click on the Harmful Haze Exercise listed under the header “Your Exercises” in the upper left hand corner.
You will then be able to access an electronic version of the six components of this Exercise Evaluation Guide to submit
your observations, recommendations and performance ratings.
HSEEP Exercise Evaluation Guide: Communications
1
Disaster Resistant Communities Group – www.drc-group.com
Communications
Capability Description: Communications is the fundamental capability within disciplines and jurisdictions that practitioners need to perform the most routine
and basic elements of their job functions. Agencies must be operable, meaning they possess sufficient wireless communications capabilities to meet their daily
internal and emergency communication requirements before they focus on interoperability.
Capability Outcome: A continuous flow of critical information is maintained as needed among multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary emergency responders,
command posts, agencies, and governmental officials for the duration of the emergency response operation in compliance with National Incident Management
System (NIMS). To accomplish this, the jurisdiction has a continuity of operations plan for public safety communications to include the consideration of critical
components, networks, support systems, personnel, and an appropriate level of redundant communications systems in the event of an emergency.
Activity 1: Initial Incident Communication
1.1
Task / Observation Keys
Performance
Have understanding of response agency notifications.
Given the situation staff understand the likely agency notifications that will take place in initial

processes.
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
Communications between the field and the hospital.
1.2

Protocols are in place to notify the hospital when an incident is likely to affect the hospital.
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
HSEEP Exercise Evaluation Guide: Communications
2
Disaster Resistant Communities Group – www.drc-group.com
Activity 2: Hospital Command Center Activation and Management
2.1
Task / Observation Keys
Performance
Established protocols for activating the Hospital Command Center.
Staff know trigger points for activation

Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak

Notification procedures are clear
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
Hospital Command Center is adequately staffed.
2.2
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
Hospital Command Center is able to receive requests for resources / information and dispatch accordingly.
2.3
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
Significant events or developments are communicated to the HCC in a timely fashion.
2.4
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
HSEEP Exercise Evaluation Guide: Communications
3
Disaster Resistant Communities Group – www.drc-group.com
Activity 3: Notification and Coordination with Outside Partners
Task / Observation Keys
Performance
Maintain communications with outside partner agencies.
3.1

Understand trigger points for notification

Conduct actions based on plans and protocols

Staff are familiar with communication methods used to communicate outside partners
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
Weak
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
Activity 4: Return to Normal Operations
Task / Observation Keys
Performance
Communicate return of normal operations to all parties involved.
Strong
Adequate
Unsure
Non-Existent
Not Applicable
4.1
Weak
Observations:
Improvement Recommendations:
HSEEP Exercise Evaluation Guide: Communications
4
Disaster Resistant Communities Group – www.drc-group.com