Frequently Asked Questions and Known System Problems
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Exercise Builder User Support
Exercise Builder Home

Do I have to enter my site or facility information before beginning an Exercise Plan? Answer
How can I change the exercise objective selection logic? Answer
How do I know what problems or suggestions for improving Exercise Builder have already been reported or suggested? Answer
How do I report system error messages or suggest recommendations for improving Exercise Builder? Answer
Who can I call to get help with Exercise Builder? Answer
What are Controllers? Answer
What are exercise guidelines? Answer
What are exercise logistical plans? Answer
What are exercise safety plans? Answer
What are exercise security plans? Answer
What are exercise messages? Answer
What are exercise objectives? Answer
Who are exercise participants? Answer
What are pre-approved Simulations? Answer
Who are Responders? Answer
What happens if I modify my Site Information after I have begun or completed an Exercise Plan? Answer
What is Site Information? Answer
What is a Controller Directory? Answer
What is a Master Scenario Events List (MSEL), and where can I find information on developing a MSEL? Answer
What is a Responder Directory? Answer
What is an Evaluator Guide? Answer
What is a Scenario Type? Answer
What is scenario data? Answer
What is the Exercise Objectives Selection Logic? Answer
What is the exercise purpose? Answer
What is the exercise scope? Answer
What is the purpose of the Participant Abbreviation? Answer
What is the Scenario Narrative? Answer
Where can I find an overview of how to use Exercise Builder? Answer
Where can I find information on developing exercise objectives? Answer
Where can I find more information on developing Exercise Plans? Answer
Why am I identifying the scenario types? Answer
Why are the choices on a screen sometimes grayed out? Answer

How do I report system error messages or suggest recommendations for improving Exercise Builder?

Reporting system error message, problems or suggesting ways to improve Exercise Builder (EB) during the Beta test period is very important. You may email a description the system error, problem, or suggestions for improving EB to Jim Noey (jim.noey@orise.orau.gov). You can also call Jim at 865-576-7087.

When reporting a system error or problem:

Provide a description of what you were trying to do when the error message was displayed. Include the Step number (i.e., 1.7 or 2.4) located in the upper left portion of the screen. If the error message was displayed while working on a form or worksheet, give the name of the form/worksheet and the screen number of the screen from which it was accessed.

It is also very important to provide a screen capture or copy of the error message that was displayed. To do this, click on the title bar of the error message screen, hold down the ALT key, and press the Print Screen key. This will put a copy of the error message in your system clipboard. Paste (Ctrl-V) the screen capture into an MS Word or WordPerfect document and email the file to Jim Noey at Jim.Noey@orise.orau.gov.

Note: Do not paste the screen capture directly into an email. For security reasons, many network email systems will strip the screen capture from the email before it is received.

If you receive an "unhandled exception" error, it is important to copy and send the information displayed when the message Details button is clicked in addition to the error message. Click here for an explanation of how to capture the Details information in an "unhandled exception" error.

Example of an "unhandled exception" error

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How do I know what problems or suggestions for improving Exercise Builder 2008 have already been reported or suggested?

The Exercise Builder 2008 Post Deployment Problem Log lists all known problems with the 2008 version of Exercise Builder. It also provides the priority and status of the problems or suggested changes.

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Where can I find an overview of how to use Exercise Builder?

A "How To Use" page is available on the Exercise Builder web page of the EMI SIG site.

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Who can I call to get help with Exercise Builder?

You may call Jim Noey at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at 856-576-7087.

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Where can I find more information on developing Exercise Plans?

Self-paced tutorials and job aids for developing Exercise Scenarios and Objectives can be found on the Emergency Management Issues (EMI) web site. This web site presents a series of integrated job aids designed to assist Emergency Management Preparedness staff in understanding the requirements, guidance, and techniques for developing Emergency Preparedness drills and exercises.

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What is Site Information?

Site Information is the information about your site/facility and the surrounding communities that affects the development of your Exercise Plans. Basically, you are setting up the Exercise Builder to design Exercise Plans for your site.

The information you enter in Step 1 will pre-fill certain data and choices in Steps 2 through 13 for developing a specific Exercise Plan.

Note: Do not leave the 'default' names in the open fields. Enter your site, and/or county, city, or, tribal jurisdiction specific titles for the emergency organizations or services. Each potential exercise participant should have a unique name.

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Do I have to enter my site or facility information before beginning an Exercise Plan?

No. Step 1 – Site Information contains default or generic information that can be used to develop an Exercise Plan, although options and choices available in Step 2 through 13 will be enhanced if you complete Step 1 first.

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What happens if I modify my site information after I have begun or completed an Exercise Plan?

If you modify your site information after you have begun or completed an exercise, the Exercise Plan information will be updated to reflect the changes you made. For this reason, you should always save the information produced by Exercise Builder in your word processor files. Your word processor files are not automatically updated when you make changes to your site information in Exercise Builder.

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Why are the choices on a screen sometimes grayed out?

Information entered on subsequent screens would be lost if the grayed-out answer was changed. To be able to modify the grayed-out answer, click the Next button and deselect the information on the following screen. Then click the Back button, and the choices will no longer be grayed out.

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What is the purpose of the Participant Abbreviation?

Each emergency organization or service participating in your exercise will have at least one objective. The participant abbreviation is used in the construction of the objective ID assigned to each participant objective.

Remember to be specific and create unique abbreviations for each of your participants. For example, if Nelson County, Nevada EOC and the State of Nevada EOC both participate in exercises, an abbreviation for the Nelson County, Nevada EOC may be NEL-EOC, and an abbreviation for the State of Nevada EOC may be NEV-EOC.

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What is the exercise purpose?

The exercise purpose is a statement (paragraph) that describes:

  • why the exercise is being conducted
  • what will happen during the exercise
  • when and where the exercise will take place

Note: Part of the why the exercise is being conducted includes any local, state, and/or federal regulations that require the exercise to be conducted.

For further information on developing the exercise scope, refer to the "Developing Exercise Scenarios" - Step 1.3: Develop the drill or exercise scope.

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Who are exercise participants?

Exercise participants are the individuals, often referred to as players, who typically comprise the majority of people involved in the exercise. It is their responsibility to take whatever actions are necessary to mitigate the simulated emergency and thus demonstrate the ability to ensure the safety of facility personnel, the public, and the environment in accordance with established emergency plans.

For further information on developing the exercise Scope refer to the "Developing Exercise Scenarios" - Step 1.3: Develop the drill or exercise scope.

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What is the exercise scope?

The exercise scope identifies the purpose of the drill/exercise, organizations that are participating, and the level of participation for each organization.

This information is used to identify and lay out the functions and tasks each organization should accomplish. It also identifies those organizations or functions that must be simulated based on levels of participation.

For further information on developing the exercise scope refer to the "Developing Exercise Scenarios" - Step 1.3: Develop the drill or exercise scope.

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What is a Scenario Type?

Scenario Type identifies the type(s) of emergency or scenario that is the focus of the exercise. Based on how you answered the questions to identify the scenario types in Step 3 and which participants were included in Step 2, EDPS will pre-select objectives that are pertinent.

Examples of scenario types are:

  • Liquid criticality event
  • Metal criticality event
  • Airborne chemical release
  • Contaminated persons
  • Missing persons
  • Firefighting

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Why am I identifying the scenario types?

Based on how you answer the questions, select the scenario type in Step 3 and identify the exercise participants included in the Scope (Step 2), Exercise Builder will suggest a group of objectives for all or most of the participants. The objectives are generated according to Exercise Objective Selection Logic Table.

Exercise Objectives Selection Logic Document

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What is the Exercise Objectives Selection Logic?

The Exercise Objectives Selection Logic is the phrase given to the logic or rules used to pre-select participant objectives based on the focus of the drill or exercise.

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How can I change the exercise objective selection logic?

The Pre-select Objectives button allows the user to tell Exercise Builder whether or not to pre-select the exercise objectives for participants based on the information provided in Step 3. Click the button Exercise Builder to pre-select the objectives. If you choose not to have Exercise Builder pre-select the objectives, all of the available objectives for the participant will be displayed and you will have to manually select the objectives to be included in the exercise.

Click the following link to view the logic Exercise Builder uses to pre-select the objectives for your site/facility ERO participants.

Exercise Objectives Selection Logic Document

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What are exercise objectives?

The success of emergency exercises is largely dependent on the quality of the stated objectives. They provide a basis for developing a meaningful and challenging scenario, as well as a gauge to measure exercise performance. Considerations in developing exercise objectives should include the following:

  • Exercise objectives need to be fully and carefully developed for all organizations prior to the start of scenario development.
  • Each exercise objective should clearly state what is to be demonstrated by the responders. The following factors should be considered:
    • Is the objective clearly stated? The objective should be specific, focused on the performance to be demonstrated and interpreted in the same manner by all participants.
    • Is the objective measurable? The performance addressed by the objective should have observable and measurable indicators; specific evaluation criteria should be developed by which to measure performance.
  • The primary source of exercise objectives is the participating organization’s emergency plans and procedures. Other sources may include job-task analyses or performance-based indicators used to develop the organizational response structure, requirements, or training.

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Where can I find information on developing exercise objectives?

Information on developing exercise objectives can be found in:

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What are exercise guidelines?

Design and Development Guidelines describe any limitations placed on the design and development of the exercise, the exercise protocol, and pre-approved simulations.

  • Limitations are management policies and guidelines of concern to the exercise developers and scenario designers. They include issues such as conducting exercises on weekends, overtime restrictions or authorizations, and financial constraints.
  • Protocols (ground rules or rules of conduct) remind responders of drillsmanship and safety issues.
  • Pre-approved simulations list the major simulations applicable to the exercise. Examples include pre-determined meteorological data, response vehicle red lights, simulation of road blocks without interfering or disrupting public traffic patterns, use of water to simulate a chemical liquid hazardous materials spill, use of a smoke generator to simulate fire/smoke, use of protective equipment, simulated operation of systems/equipment, and photographs that simulate equipment damage.

For further information on design and development guidelines, refer to "Developing Exercise Scenarios" - Step 1.5: Develop the drill or exercise design and development guidelines

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What is a Master Scenario Events List (MSEL), and where can I find information on developing a MSEL?

A MSEL lists all exercise messages and key events in a table that specifies the time the message is expected to be delivered, who delivers it to whom, a message number, and a short description of the message. Some MSELs also contain the responder-expected actions and associated exercise objectives to assist the controllers and evaluators in performing their functions. The MSEL identifies the timing and summary content of all key events, messages or injects, contingency messages, and expected responder actions for the duration of the exercise. [DOE G 151.1-1, Vol. 7]

For additional information on developing exercise MSELs, click on the following links:

Developing Exercise Scenarios, Phase 3 – Timeline/MSEL Development

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What are Controllers?

Controllers are individuals who provide direction and control of the exercise. They monitor the sequence of events as they unfold and are responsible for exercise safety within their span of control. Individual controllers may initiate certain actions to ensure the continuity of events described in the exercise scenario. It is their responsibility to ensure that players do not respond in a manner that might jeopardize safety and that they remain focused on exercise play to demonstrate the exercise objectives. The control organization will vary in number, depending on the exercise scope.

For more information on controllers and their responsibilities during an exercise, refer to: DOE G 151.1-1, Exercises, Volume VII, Section 3.

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What are exercise messages?

Exercise messages, or message injects, include instructions to controllers to begin simulations. Exercise messages also provide earned information, acting instructions, and contingency messages. They should be formatted/presented in such a manner as to reflect the actual data that would be observed by responders in a real event (e.g., strip charts, alarm printer output, accident mock-ups).

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Who are Responders?

Responders can also be referred to as players or participants. They typically comprise the majority of people involved in the exercise. It is their responsibility to take whatever actions are necessary to mitigate the simulated emergency and thus demonstrate the ability to ensure the safety of facility personnel, the public, and the environment in accordance with established emergency plans.

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What is a Controller Directory?

The Controller Directory provides the telephone number and/or radio call sign of all controllers participating in the exercise. It is used solely for internal control communications during the exercise.

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What is a Responder Directory?

The Responder Directory lists the telephone numbers of all the controllers who simulate participating organizations during the exercise.

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What is an Evaluator Guide?

Evaluator Guides are the documents exercise evaluators will use to determine whether exercise objectives are met. They and/or checklists display the expected response in a time sequenced format with which the evaluator can monitor responder progress. These modules are based on the exercise objectives, the evaluation criteria, and the participating organization's plans and procedures.

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What is the Scenario Narrative?

The Scenario Narrative is a storybook summary of the background, initial conditions, initiating events, and expected responder actions. It contains descriptions of the simulated emergency situation, including the overall sequence of events, details, supporting data, and timing of activities.

Click on the following link for additional information:

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What are pre-approved simulations?

Pre-approved simulations list the major simulations applicable to the exercise. Examples include pre-determined meteorological data, response vehicle red lights, road blocks simulations without interfering or disrupting public traffic patterns, water to simulate a chemical liquid hazardous materials spill, a smoke generator to simulate fire/smoke, protective equipment, simulated operation of systems/equipment, and photographs to simulate equipment damage.

For further information on developing the pre-approved simulation, refer to the "Developing Exercise Scenarios" - Step 1.5: Develop the drill or exercise design and development guidelines, Pre-approved Simulations

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What is scenario data?

Scenario or exercise data vary greatly depending on the scope of the exercise. Exercise data may include general and facility-specific, meteorological, hazardous material, and medical information.

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What are exercise safety plans?

The safety of personnel and the facility is paramount during exercises. The planning process and the management of exercises must ensure that sufficient precautions and limitations are established and followed for the safe conduct of the exercise. A person with the sole responsibility for ensuring safety during the exercise, such as an exercise safety director, should be appointed to the exercise planning group.

During an exercise, all participants must comply with established safety rules and practices. Participants must understand that safety of exercise participants, non-participants, the public, and the environment is of the highest priority. An exercise safety plan is an effective method of documenting safety concerns and solutions. The plan should address generic and specific safety concerns, mitigative solutions, and required actions/notifications if a safety concern or emergency occurs during an exercise.

Developing Exercise Scenarios, Phase 5.4 – Develop safety guidance.

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What are exercise security plans?

The security plan for a drill/exercise defines the security concerns and the control measures that are to be established to ensure the protection of the workers, facility/site, and classified matter. A representative should be a member of the scenario committee. When exercising in areas where classified matter (materials, systems, and information) is available, the security representative should be mandatory. (Note: The safety plan may identify security shadow forces.)

Developing Exercise Scenarios, Phase 5.5 – Develop security guidance.

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What are exercise logistical plans?

Logistics planning includes the following:

  • The master schedule should address all the preparation activities, conduct of the exercise, the critique process, and the evaluation report.
  • The method to identify exercise participants and, if necessary, various non-participants, should be documented in this section. Participants can be identified by vests, hats, or arm bands of various colors. Ensure that the type of participant is printed on the identification method to assist those with color-impaired vision.
  • The communications plan documents radio and telephone requirements. It provides for radio frequencies, protocol, telephone numbers, and directories. Additionally, it provides information concerning controller communications, training, and systems testing. Normally the following exercise telephone (communications) directories are prepared.
    • Control Cell Directory is provided to responders and lists the control cell telephone numbers of controllers simulating individuals or organizations.
    • Controller/Evaluator Directory includes telephone and radio channels/frequencies used for communication within the control and evaluation organizations.
    • Responder Directory is provided to control cell controllers and lists the telephone numbers of responders who may need to be contacted by the control cell.
  • The logistics plan specifies tasks to accomplish in support of the exercise preparation, conduct, and evaluation. This includes notifying of controllers; obtaining meeting rooms and classrooms; identifying and setting up the control cell, communications requirements, meals, transportation, facility security badging/access; and acquiring/staging props (e.g., moulage dummies, smoke generators, damaged equipment, and simulated material).

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