Nova Scotia Health’s Emergency Preparedness team participated in REX2-24, a one-day functional exercise held on November 22 in New Glasgow. Led by Nova Scotia’s Department of Emergency Management, the exercise brought together municipal, provincial, and emergency partners, including municipalities of Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, St. Mary’s, Antigonish and Guysborough, the Provincial Coordination Centre, Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre, and others.
The exercise simulated a late fall storm causing cascading events such as road closures, a train derailment, and evacuations. Participants practiced activating Emergency Coordination Centres (ECCs) and the Provincial Coordination Centre (PCC), issuing situational updates, managing critical infrastructure disruptions, and using alternate communication methods. They also tested emergency public alerting, the Request for Assistance process, and issuing a State of Local Emergency (SOLE).
Nova Scotia Health’s team played a key role as simulators, representing organizations like fire departments and police who were not directly involved in the exercise. Operating from the Simulation Cell, they delivered scenario updates based on a detailed events plan. They helped ensure realistic and effective training by providing actions, activities, and conversations to guide participants in their responses.
This exercise highlights the importance of partnerships and collaboration in emergency preparedness. By working together with key partners, our Emergency Preparedness team helps ensure that Nova Scotia Health is ready to respond to and recover from incidents or events that may threaten life, property, operations, or the environment. These exercises are invaluable in strengthening our collective ability to deliver critical services with minimal disruption, enhancing organizational resilience and improving our response capabilities.
“The lessons learned directly enhance our preparedness across Nova Scotia Health,” said Scott Brumwell, Northern Zone Manager for the Emergency Preparedness team. “We’re proud to collaborate with dedicated partners and look forward to future opportunities.”
Photo caption: Nova Scotia Health’s Emergency Preparedness team members who participated in REX2-24. (L-R): Scott Brumwell, NZ Manager, Mike Dickie, WZ Manager, John (JJ) McIsaac, Projects & Planning Manager, Christopher Dunkley, NZ Consultant and Delwin Ferguson, CZ Manager.
