fema/dhs running 'national level exercise 2011' may16-20

is the new madrid seismic risk real?...
from continuity central: Facilitated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Level Exercise 2011 (NLE 2011) has been scheduled for 16 to 20 May. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare and coordinate a multiple-jurisdictional integrated response to a national catastrophic event, with focus on response and recovery activities among federal, regional, state, tribal, local, and private sector participants.

NLE 2011 will simulate the catastrophic nature of a major earthquake in the central United States region of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The year 2011 is the bicentennial anniversary of the 1811 New Madrid earthquake, for which the NMSZ is named. NLE 2011 will be the first NLE to simulate a natural hazard.

The NLE’s National Private Sector Working Group is seeking ideas and comments from the private sector and suggests that companies can use the exercise to test business continuity plans and procedures.

To participate in the National and/or Regional NLE 2011 Private Sector Working Groups, please contact Private.SectorNLE@dhs.gov. Please indicate the desired level of participation i.e. the national or region/state level. Also, please include which states are of interest to ensure assignment to the appropriate Working Group.

flashbacks: fema/dhs running 'nle 2010' may17-18
nle '09: fema, foreign troops & private military contractors unite