Emergency Exercises
Our emergency exercises are realistic, utility-specific, and designed to validate emergency response plans under real-world conditions so staff, leadership, and partners are prepared to respond decisively when it matters most.
Having a plan is not the same as being prepared. Gradient Planning helps water and wastewater utilities test emergency response, communications, and decision-making through exercises that reflect real operational pressures, evolving threats, and regulatory expectations.
We design and facilitate exercises that challenge assumptions, clarify roles, and strengthen coordination—so utilities are ready to act, not react, during emergencies.
What You Do Not Want:
Plans that have never been tested under realistic conditions
Staff uncertainty about roles, authority, or escalation triggers
Limited coordination with external partners and regulators
Lessons identified but never translated into corrective action
Readiness is proven, not assumed
Practical, scenario-driven emergency exercises
Our exercises are built around your assets, staffing model, operating environment, and risk profile. We focus on decision-making, coordination, and execution—not scripted checklists. Whether tabletop, functional, or hybrid, our approach helps utilities identify gaps, build staff confidence, and demonstrate readiness to boards and regulators.
Tabletop Exercise Design & Facilitation
Design and facilitation of realistic, scenario-based tabletop exercises tailored to your utility’s risks like extreme weather, cyber incidents like ransomware or denials of service, infrastructure failure, or water contamination.
Functional & Operations-Focused Exercises
Hands-on exercises that test procedures, communications, and coordination across departments and external partners under time pressure and resource constraints.
After Action Review & Improvement Planning
Structured after-action reviews that identify strengths, gaps, and corrective actions and paired with clear recommendations to strengthen response capability and preparedness over time.
What you'll receive
Customized Exercise Materials
Exercise objectives, scenarios, injects, and discussion questions tailored to your systems, staff, and regulatory context.
Facilitated Exercise & Staff Engagement
Professional facilitation that encourages meaningful participation, tests decision-making, and keeps exercises focused and productive.
After-Action Report & Improvement Plan
A clear, defensible after-action report documenting findings, lessons learned, and prioritized corrective actions to support continuous improvement.
“Exceptional Partner”
“The City of Framingham’s Water & Wastewater Department has been working with Gradient Planning each year since 2017 on all aspects of risk management. Gradient Planning has been an exceptional partner to Framingham, offering practical solutions-focused planning that consistently strengthens our overall preparedness. Their deep subject-matter expertise and willingness to respond to our evolving needs, has allowed Framingham to progressively work toward our preparedness goals and continue to maintain compliance along the way.”
Kate Lancraft, P.E., C.S.P.
Founder and Managing Director
Gradient Planning, LLC
“Gradient Planning has exceeded our expectations in every aspect of emergency preparedness consultancy. Kate Lancraft provides a comprehensive approach, attention to detail, and tailored programs that ensure our organization is empowered to handle any scenario with confidence. From risk assessments to customized training sessions, Kate has been a partner to our team. With unparalleled expertise and dedication to our safety and resilience, it is clear that Gradient Planning is committed to our continual improvement. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Gradient Planning to any organization serious about safeguarding its future.”
25+
years supporting critical infrastructure resilience
Deep, sustained experience helping water and wastewater utilities manage risk, maintain continuity, and meet evolving regulatory expectations.
100%
regulatory acceptance of risk assessments and ERPs
All assessments and emergency response plans accepted by EPA and state regulators with zero corrective follow-up required.
50+
utilities served across small, mid-size, and large systems
Trusted by utilities in New England and beyond to deliver practical, solutions-focused planning tailored to real operational conditions.
Common questions about emergency exercises
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Yes. Exercises are most effective when staff understand their roles, responsibilities, and decision authority ahead of time. Targeted plan training ensures participants can focus on decision-making and coordination during the exercise rather than trying to interpret unfamiliar documents, resulting in more meaningful findings and stronger preparedness outcomes. Gradient Planning is an excellent training partner.
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Tabletop exercises are effective for testing decision-making and coordination, while functional exercises are valuable for validating procedures and communications. The most effective approach is tailored to your risks, staff capacity, and objectives.
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Exercise frequency depends on the size, complexity, and risk profile of the utility. Smaller systems may benefit from focused tabletop exercises conducted every other year, while larger utilities, with more customers, interdependencies, and regulatory scrutiny, should pursue more frequent and progressively complex exercises. As customer impact increases, so does the expectation for regular testing to ensure sustained readiness and continuity of service.
Be ready before it happens
Every moment counts during an emergency — plan ahead with a partner who's been there.