Great ShakeOut Earthquake Exercise

Each year, PWAG member agencies take part in the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake exercise – an opportunity to practice, prepare, and strengthen emergency response capabilities across the region.

Participants can engage at multiple levels, with options to tailor the exercise to their agency’s needs and goals.

The 2026 ShakeOut will take place on October 15 at 10:15 AM. Additional details, including participation options and supporting materials, will be shared soon – stay tuned for updates.

Current Trainings and Exercises

This in-person training provides essential emergency management knowledge for staff with disaster response roles. Participants will gain a clear understanding of their responsibilities during emergencies and how standardized systems support effective response.

The course introduces the purpose and structure of Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and National Incident Management System (NIMS). Participants will explore how these frameworks align, how they are applied in the field, and how they connect to broader preparedness goals.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand individual roles and responsibilities during emergencies
  • Identify key similarities between NIMS and SEMS
  • Describe how ICS structures are implemented in the field
  • Explain how national preparedness goals align with agency objectives

Logistics:

  • In-person only
  • Duration: ~4 hours
  • Capacity: Up to 30 participants
  • Setup: Classroom-style seating, screen for presentation, printed materials
  • Contact hour certificates available

This engaging session helps staff prepare both personally and professionally for disasters, ensuring they are ready to support their organization when it matters most.

Participants will learn practical strategies for personal and family preparedness, including an overview of the Disaster Service Worker program (where applicable). The session also provides an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and receive tailored guidance for their unique situations.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand how the Disaster Service Worker program functions
  • Develop personalized preparedness strategies for themselves and their families
  • Create a list of actionable preparedness goals

Logistics:

  • In-person only
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • Suitable for all staff
  • Setup: Screen for presentation; flexible seating
  • Contact hour certificates available

Designed for non-IT staff, this training provides a practical overview of cybersecurity responsibilities across the organization. It is especially valuable for agencies that rely on external IT support.

Participants will learn about common cyber threats facing water utilities and the everyday actions they can take to protect systems, networks, and operational technology (OT) environments.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify the most common cyberattacks affecting their agency
  • Recognize and apply cybersecurity best practices
  • Evaluate password strength and improve credential security

Logistics:

  • In-person or virtual
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • Suitable for all staff
  • No contact hours currently offered

This customized, in-depth training is tailored specifically to your agency’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Developed and delivered by the PWAG Emergency Management Coordinator, the session ensures staff are confident navigating and implementing your plan during an emergency.

Participants will review agency priorities, standard operating procedures, and key resources within the ERP. The training also includes a short tabletop exercise to reinforce learning through practical application.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand agency priorities during a disaster
  • Describe standard operating procedures and response expectations
  • Locate critical information and role-specific checklists within the ERP
  • Apply knowledge in a guided tabletop exercise

Logistics:

  • In-person only
  • Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
  • Recommended for all staff
  • Setup: Classroom-style seating, screen for presentation, printed materials
  • Six-week lead time required for scheduling

PWAG is always expanding and improving so be sure to keep an eye out for the new trainings we have in development to go live!