The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Washington Commanders, FedExField, and state and local first responders recently held a tabletop exercise to test response plans around hypothetical public safety incidents at the NFL team’s home stadium.
The four-hour event was the latest in a series of assessments and exercises designed to ensure the safety of events at FedExField. It brought together private- and public-sector partners to discuss pre-incident and incident information-sharing procedures, as well as emergency response and recovery operations, following hypothetical events that present security and safety risks to fans, athletes, and employees.
“Simulated events and joint exercises with trusted partners are important components of emergency preparedness,” said CISA Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security David Mussington. “If a real-world emergency happens, no single agency is going to respond alone. Now more than ever, we need strong, trusted, reliable relationships with partners who know how to communicate and work together effectively.”
“The safety and security of fans, employees, and players is our utmost priority during all major events hosted throughout the year at FedExField,” said Trista Langdon, SVP of operations and guest experience for the Washington Commanders. “Tabletop exercises, in partnership with CISA, are crucial in reinforcing our preparedness for safety incidents and updating our approaches to response and recovery plans in a rapidly evolving environment. We greatly appreciate the time and commitment of CISA, as well as other federal, state, and local partners, devoted to keeping everyone safe at FedExField.”
Participants discussed their roles, shared best practices, and improved coordination mechanisms to help keep the public safe during football games. This exercise was part of an ongoing partnership between those involved and was not in response to any specific threat.
CISA works with sports leagues, teams, stadiums and arenas, and other large venues around the country to develop and exercise response plans for all potential threats in today’s environment. CISA plans and conducts over 150 exercises each year across the nation, and the agency has staff strategically located throughout the U.S. to advise businesses, schools, and other organizations on ways to enhance their security and resilience. Resources and tools are available on the agency’s website through its Hometown Security initiative.
According to CISA, the public also has a critical role to play in security during any mass gathering event. The agency encourages attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to personnel or law enforcement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s See Something, Say Something campaign has more information on reporting suspicious behavior.
ALSO READ: 5 Steps Public Venues Should Take When Evaluating Security Solutions