Arc Aspicio Participates
in National Level Exercise (NLE) 2011
On September 1, Arc Aspicio participated in a Private Sector Working Group session to prepare for the National Level Exercise (2011), an exercise to prepare and coordinate a multiple-jurisdictional integrated response to a national catastrophic event. NLE 2011, to take place in May 2011, will simulate a catastrophic earthquake in the central United States region called the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). 2011 is the bicentennial anniversary of the 1811 New Madrid earthquake, for which the NMSZ is named. For more information on the 1811 earthquake, and the events commemorating the upcoming bi-centennial, visit http://newmadrid2011.org/.
NLE 2011 will be the first national exercise to simulate a natural hazard and will focus on regional catastrophic response and recovery activities among federal, state, tribal, and private sector participants.
A diverse range of private sector partners took part in the Working Group session. The Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intend to incorporate the guidance and encourage participation of partners in the business, non-profit, academic, and NGO communities. Collaboration encourages participation during the planning and execution of the exercise to test preparedness and resiliency.
FEMA is encouraging increased participation in the National Private Sector Working Group. To participate in the National and/or Regional NLE 2011 Private Sector Working Groups, please contact private.sectornle@dhs.gov. DHS intends for the formation of Private Sector Working Groups to be a significant step in the collaboration between government and the private sector during times of national emergency.
Arc Aspicio is pleased to be part of the Working Group because our corporate philosophy is to raise emergency preparedness awareness among employees and partner companies. The company has been busy during National Preparedness Month, September 2010. In a recent all-hands meeting, Arc Aspicio reviewed its updated Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan. The company provides a $250 annual bonus to employees towards the purchase emergency preparedness supplies.
Finally, as a member of the National Preparedness Month coalition, Arc Aspicio is holding a blood drive at its DC office on September 16th. Please visit the Children’s National Medical Center Blood Donor Center and use Arc Aspicio’s code (ARCA) to sign up and donate!
