The Hubbardston Board of Health discussed a new Department of Public Health (DPH) expectation that local boards run tabletop exercises and file an after-action report by Dec. 31. Board members reviewed tabletop formats and decided to plan a local winter-storm scenario rather than the DPH-recommended heat-focused exercise.

Meeting participants outlined two tabletop formats: (1) a discussion-only scenario that identifies roles and responsibilities and (2) a more detailed exercise that assigns specific roles and simulates evolving events (injects). The board discussed joining a Worcester-led, multi-town virtual tabletop that would be organized by the regional Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition (HMCC) as a way to “watch and learn” before running its own exercise.

Members said a winter-storm scenario would allow Hubbardston to involve police, fire, highway, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers, and other departments and would exercise the town’s emergency operation center (EOC) checklist. The board agreed to schedule a local tabletop in November at 3:00 p.m. and to invite LEPC representatives, first responders, and other partners. The board noted an after-action report and ICS (Incident Command System) forms will be required; staff said an AAR template is available amid the ICS paperwork.

Board members also emphasized the planning purpose: identify impact on residents (especially older adults and people dependent on electrically powered equipment), test communication channels, and confirm roles for opening shelters or cooling/heating stations. There was also discussion about minimizing overtime costs by scheduling exercises during regular working hours when possible. The board directed staff to monitor Worcester/HMCC scheduling and to plan a local winter-storm tabletop for November.

Ending: The board will confirm a November date and circulate invitations to partner departments and volunteers.