NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS FOR RESPONSE EXERCISE PROGRAM (PREP): IMPROVING AREA CONTINGENCY PLANS1

Abstract

ABSTRACT The primary goal of the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) is the enhancement of the overall preparedness of the nation to respond to oil spills. A specific objective of the program is improvement of area contingency plans (ACPs). This paper assesses whether the PREP program and its impact through the evaluation process has resulted in improvements to ACPs. Six 1995 government-led area exercise evaluation reports were analyzed. Each report was produced by a report development team with representation from the industry and state, local, and federal governments. Additionally, the Incident Specific Preparedness Review report of the response to the Houston area San Jacinto River oil spill in October 1994 was reviewed. Conclusions based on the analysis of these reports are as follows: PREP area exercises have been effective in providing substantial feedback to AC? holders by identifying numerous areas for improvement; PREP area exercises have been effective in making changes to ACPs; and PREP area exercises are effective in producing an evaluation report rich in observations, lessons learned, and recommended actions that are shared worldwide through the Internet in the PREP Lessons Learned System.