Tabletop exercises are small group discussions that walk through a scenario and the courses of action a school will need to take before, during, and after an emergency to lessen the impact on the school community. Participants problem-solve together through detailed discussion of roles, responsibilities, and anticipated courses of action. Tabletop exercises leverage a defined scenario to direct discussion and may need an experienced facilitator, depending on the complexity and objectives of the exercise.

To assist in selecting and/or developing your tabletop exercises, the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Toolbox provides a variety of sample exercises.

The link below is an excellent resource to use in developing your own unique emergency exercises using a 10-step guide.