The best way to learn from experience is to have the experience yourself. That’s what South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH) decision-makers found when they ran their first statewide terrorism preparedness exercise in 2006 – and what they expect to find in future exercises. During this exercise they tested in real-time the complex communications necessary in a disaster and learned that a streamlined analysis process is critical when receiving information. They also learned that successful preparedness means having an adequately staffed, equipped and dedicated Emergency Operations Center at the hospital, local, regional and state level. Full Story