Preparedness Matters More Than Ever

Most people never see emergency preparedness in action. But when communities are ready, crises are managed quietly, efficiently, and with confidence.  An organized simulation ensures readiness, cooperation, and identitfication of the people, roles, and skills who protect communities before disaster strikes.

A powerful example took place on April 17, 2026, when Wilton CERTs participated in the “Crisis at Center Stage” Functional Exercise at Bedford Middle School in Westport, Connecticut. This large-scale (more than 125 participants) simulation focused on a theoretical bioterrorism anthrax incident and tested how local agencies would respond under pressure.  The simulation was for the benefit of the 714,000 people who live in the 14 towns making up the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection (DEMHS) Region 1.

Why Exercises Like This Matter:  Real emergencies do not wait for convenience. They demand speed, coordination, and clear leadership. Exercises like this help communities prepare for the moments that matter most.

Describe the Simulation

The middle school was set up with key "stations" to assist people who had theoretically been exposed to anthrax while visiting a local theater.  Volunteer patients were handed information sheets descibing their character (ie. symptoms, age, weight, family members, health, language, anxiety level, etc...).  

Station 1: Registration / Triage: Upon entering the school, the patients approached Station 1 "Registration / Triage" to check-in, provide critical health information, and receive paperwork that would guide what meds they would eventually receive.  If they needed immediate attention they were directed to an EMT at Station 2, otherwise they proceed to the gym.

Station 3:  Paperwork Review:  "Checkers" ensured the patient's paperwork was properly filled out and guided them to an area with tables and chairs if they needed to add information. Once paperwork was complete, patients were sent to Station 4.

Station 4:  Direct patient to proper line:  An individual reviewed paperwork to determine if the patient would go to Station 5 or 6.

Station 5: Was a Registered Nurse who handled extenuating circumstances (ie. allergies, health issues, etc...) that may impact the type or dosage of medicine the patient will receive, then on to Station 6.

Station 6: Medicine distribution.  These professionals again reviewed the background of the patients and ensured they distributed the correct medications, dosages, and instructions.

Station 7: Exit Interview:  Patients' paperwork, prescriptions and dosages received were reviewed one more time prior to their exit. Patients were free to leave after this Station.  In our simulation, the patients exited the gym, were handed a new "character" to play, and went through the process again, and again.

Key Goals of the Simulation

1. Mass Prophylaxis (Preventive Care) Training
Officials practiced activating a Point of Dispensing (POD) location where life-saving medication could be distributed rapidly to the public.

2. Inter-Agency Coordination
Police, fire, EMS, public health leaders, hospitals, and CERT volunteers worked together to strengthen communication and teamwork.

3. Finding Operational Gaps
Every exercise revealed lessons. Weaknesses can be fixed before a real crisis occurs.

4. Rapid Decision-Making
The first hours of any emergency are critical. Leaders practiced making fast, informed choices to protect the public.

The future belongs to prepared communities. Exercises like Crisis at Center Stage show what is possible when agencies train together and take readiness seriously. Thank you to our Wilton CERTs who helped bring this simulation to life!