The purpose of an After Action Review, whether for an exercise or actual event, is to improve response in the future by correcting any identified deficiencies. This requires follow up activities after the "hot wash" has been concluded. Your Standard Operating Procedure should assign responsibility for ensuring completion of corrective actions to an individual by title. Job Aid #5, HazCollect After Action Review Checklist, is provided to assist that individual in accomplishing this objective.
CAUTION: The FCC interprets EAS rules to mean that actually broadcasting an exercise or test message requires an advance waiver; that is, without such a waiver, your EAS broadcaster may be subject to a fine. See Net Links below to access the March 27, 2009 FCC guidance regarding the recommended contents of any such request for an FCC waiver.
The following are the general steps involved in an After Action Review:
Identify Problem Areas
The first step in the AAR process, whether for an exercise or actual event, is to identify the problem areas. By developing an AAR checklist in advance, the identification process is facilitated.
Involve external participants, such as the National Weather Service WFO, local EAS broadcasters, or other Local Emergency Communications Committee members in the review process for an end-to-end review.
- For exercises, assign an Exercise Evaluator for HazCollect. A more detailed, function-specific evaluation form may be developed from the AAR Checklist outline level.
- If possible, involve one or more representatives of the public in the AAR. For actual events, this may be accomplished through review of monitoring data. For an exercise, consider assigning role players.
- Identify Corrective Actions Required
It may be helpful to categorize the type of corrective action needed by identifying what part of the system failed, as below.
- The system may have failed at the planning stage, that is, essential elements were not adequately addressed in the HazCollect SOP, or attachments such as NWEM templates, other instructions or job aids. Corrective action would include revision to these planning documents.
- The system may have failed in the execution stage, that is, adequately written procedures were not followed. Corrective action would include additional training and/or practice.
- The system may have failed due to technical issues with the HazCollect NWEM authoring software, Internet connectivity, or other technology-related issues. Corrective action would include addressing and correcting technology issues, and/or ensuring alternate, redundant methods are in place.
- Implement Corrective Actions
It is not sufficient to identify deficiencies and corrective actions. Unless corrective actions are implemented, the errors are doomed to be repeated.
- The corrective action should be assigned to an individual for implementation, and a target completion date scheduled.
- The individual assigned overall responsibility for monitoring implementation should note pending completion dates, and follow up as necessary for incomplete tasks.
- Finally, if substantial changes in the system have been implemented, consider holding a follow up table top or functional exercise to validate the process.
Job Aid #5 can be accessed from the "Try It" button below.
- Job Aid #5 includes sample questions for an actual HazCollect activation. You are encouraged to adapt and tailor this form to your own procedures, and add the level of detail you find useful. You may wish to number the criteria based on relevant SOP sections and paragraphs.
- The checklist is designed to provide summary level information; therefore, you may wish to design supplementary, corresponding pages with which to record more detailed description of the identified deficiencies.
 Job Aid
Job Aid, HazCollect After Action Review Checklist |
