Typically an overview or introduction to an exercise or concept to be considered.  Group setting, low-stress, and serves to familiarize participants with roles, plans, procedures, or equipment.  Also used to clarify and resolve questions of assignment of responsibilities and coordination.

A drill is a supervised, coordinated activity used to test a single specific activity, operation, or function.  Can also be used to introduce new procedures, plans, or training, and practice or maintain existing skills.

Tabletop exercises simulate emergency situations in an informal, stress-free environment designed to elicit discussion, policy consideration, and identify problem areas and resolve them. 

A functional exercise is a fully simulated exercise that involves just a few functions necessary in an emergency.  It is designed to test capabilities, policies, procedures, roles, and responsibilities in a time pressured realistic simulation that does not typically involve the use of equipment, people moving, or extensive facilities.  Decisions and procedures are made in real-time without the benefit of discussion, consideration, or modification.

A full-scale exercise is designed to be the most realistic simulation possible just short of a real disaster.  A field exercise designed to test and evaluate policies, procedures, plans, and skills by the use of people, equipment, and facilities in the most lifelike ways possible.  Realism is the key to the full-scale exercise, involving complex development and serious commitment.

Exercises are an essential component of any emergency response plan, and even mandatory in some cases under various acts or laws including NFPA 1600 and the Emergency Response Assistance Plans (ERAPs).  Signet North America will through a system of collaboration:  assist, design, and implement your chosen type or method of exercise.