Labs annual emergency exercise strengthens response

Months of intense planning, organizing and coordinating culminated in Sandia’s Aug. 10 annual emergency exercise — a yearly workout to test its emergency response organization’s proficiency in responding to a site incident that could affect the safety and health of Sandia’s workforce and surrounding communities.

Participating with Sandia emergency management in the drill were senior Labs and Sandia Field Office leadership, Kirtland Fire Emergency Services, the Department of Energy, Kirtland Air Force Base, the city of Albuquerque, Isleta Pueblo, Bernalillo County and the state of New Mexico.

“This simulated emergency was a leap in complexity, and we take preparing and testing our emergency response organization very seriously,” said David Stuhan, senior manager in Emergency Management. “We created a very detailed and realistic scenario, established objectives and evaluated our capabilities to protect our workforce, public, property and the environment. Our preparedness level and response capabilities are strengthened through these complex exercises, and our major focus remains on continuous improvement.”

Sandia’s emergency response capabilities are based on the National Incident Management System, which standardizes principles, concepts and terminology to ensure a swift and effective response to natural or human-caused catastrophes. Sandia emergency management conducts drills throughout the year to prepare its responders and ensure equipment, systems and processes are proficient.

“As much as we endeavor to have a methodical, conditioned emergency response, we’re always mindful of what’s at stake — the safety and well-being of our colleagues, friends, families, communities and the environment,” David said.