Acts of Terrorism

O'Gara has many years of experience in planning, developing, conducting and participating in multiple Table-Top, Functional and Full-Scale Exercises based on scenarios dealing with terrorism. These exercises are designed to measure the capabilities of local, state and federal departments and agencies in conducting emergency response actions. They provide a means to assess policies, plans, procedures, resources, communication and coordination, as well as command and control of response to an emergency. Evaluation of the flow of communications between agencies, with the media and the public is also a primary objective. Our exercises also touch on issues which are important when responding to an incident and managing a crisis using the National Incident Management System-Incident Command System (NIMS-ICS). Exercises for personnel at the operational level are typically conducted first in order to identify opportunities for improvement in planning, training and response. Follow up exercises for op officials can then be facilitated in order to address policy issues, which were identified during the operational exercises.

Our company has conducted multiple terrorism exercises in order to prepare first responders, healthcare workers and security personnel for incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological or explosive materials and devices. Many of our exercises highlight key Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) components including mission essential functions, orders of succession, alternate facilities, communications, emergency notification and personnel accountability procedures along with vital records and databases. These components are examined in order to evaluate a department's or agency's ability to continue to provide essential services and conduct emergency response actions during an incident which disrupts or destroys the ability to employ certain facilities, equipment and personnel.