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TEMA 3041 Sidco Drive Nashville, TN 37204

Tel: 615-741-0001 www.tnema.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 16, 2016CONTACT: Dean Flener

OFFICE:615-741-0430

EAST TENNESSEE CATASTROPHIC EXERCISE PLAY PROVIDES REAL-

WORLD EXPERIENCE AMONG MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PARTNERS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) will join more than 15

East Tennessee local emergency management agencies, military authorities and private sector

entities on Thursday, June 23, 2016, for a severe weather simulation to practice the response and

recovery activities that will be needed in the aftermath of a disaster.

The TEMA-coordinated exercise, known as TNCAT 16 (pronounced TEN-CAT for TennesseeCatastrophic Exercise) is an annual, large-scale disaster planning event used to enhance the

coordination and communication among local, state and private sector entities. The TNCAT exercise

moves to a different region of the state each year, and past exercises have simulated catastrophic

earthquakes, wildfires and winter storms.

Well be exercising and evaluating capabilities in operating search and rescue missions, standing

up hospitals in a crisis, establishing emergency communications, and coordinating resources

among private sector entities, said Bill Worth, TEMAs East Region Administrator. We play as if it is

a real event to learn where we have gaps and where we can best use resources, so that in a real

event everyone is better prepared.

TNCAT 16 exercise play in East Tennessee will involve activities and locations such as community

recovery efforts at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., a Northeast Tennessee Hospital

Coalition hospital exercise in Johnson City, Tenn., a Civil Air Patrol flyover mission, activating the

University of Tennessees Emergency Operations Center, and strategic coordination and planning at

TEMAs East Region Coordination Center (RCC) in Knoxville.

A key participant will be the East Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (ET VOAD)

who will conduct a table-top exercise establishing a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), a key

resource in helping communities and individuals recover after a catastrophic disaster.

During large-scale disaster events, governments will partner with recognized volunteer agencies to

provide many services to those in need before, during and after emergencies, said Charles R. (Bud)Yard, ET VOAD chair. VOAD-affiliated agencies provide shelter, food and water, and work to clear

roads, remove debris and repair homes, among myriad other services to crucial to community

recovery.

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Tel: 615-741-0001 www.tnema.org

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Other entities participating in the TNCAT 16 exercise activities in East Tennessee include: Anderson,

Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cumberland, Knox and Morgan counties, and the TennesseeHighway Patrol, Tennessee Department of Health, and Tennessee Department of Transportation.

TEMA will also activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville for TNCAT 16 exercise

play with TEMAs East RCC, and among representatives from multiple-other state agencies and

counties.

This year, TNCAT is a major emphasis of the Tennessee National Guards statewide emergency

response exercise, or Tennessee Maneuvers 16 (TNMAN 16). TNMAN 16 is simulating series of

emergency drills across the state to exercise the Tennessee Army Guards and Tennessee Air

National Guards unique skills and specialized equipment in coordination with civil authorities in a

disaster.

When challenged with an unexpected disaster, and at the request of civil authorities, our Soldiers

and Airmen are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to save lives, prevent human suffering

and mitigate property damage, said Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee Adjutant General. Goals

such as unity of effort, teamwork, adaptability, and preparation serve as cornerstones to TNMAN

16, conducted with a local orientation that is critical to real world success in the event the

unthinkable occurs.

ABOUT TEMA

TEMAs mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and

technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders.

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