The Blue Cascades Interdependencies Exercise Series began in 2002 as way for regional stakeholders to proactively identify and strengthen gaps in their infrastructures. The Blue Cascades tabletop exercises are scenario-based discussion events developed by and for key stakeholder organizations that have roles and responsibilities or significant interests in assuring the security and resilience of the Puget Sound Region and the critical infrastructures and essential service organizations that underpin citizens’ health, safety, and economic well-being.

Developed and facilitated by the stakeholders themselves, the Blue Cascades exercises focus on all-hazards.  The chief goal of these tabletop exercises is not to test plans and procedures but rather to raise awareness of infrastructure interdependencies and associated vulnerabilities, impacts, and preparedness gaps, identifying potential solutions to make needed improvements. The After Action Reports of the Blue Cascades Exercises are used to develop Action Plans of stakeholder recommended and prioritized activities. These activities may be short-term (one year or less), medium term (eighteen months to two years), or long-term (multi-year). All require cross-sector, multi-jurisdiction, and in most cases, multi-discipline collaboration and expertise to implement. Participants in the Blue Cascades exercises represent all levels of government, utilities, businesses, and other private sector organizations, non-profits, academic, and community institutions.  

Blue Cascades Interdependencies Exercise Series:

• Blue Cascades I (2002)- Hypothetical terrorist attack on the regional energy sector
  • Read the Blue Cascades I Executive Summary
• Blue Cascades II (2004)- Cyber threats, disruptions, and impacts
  • Read the Blue Cascades II Executive Summary
  • Read the Blue Cascades II Action Plan
• Blue Cascades III (2006)- A major subduction zone earthquake
  • Read the Blue Cascades III Executive Summary
  • Read the Blue Cascades III Action Plan 
• Blue Cascades IV (2007)- Pandemic preparedness
  • Read the Blue Cascades IV Executive Summary
  • Read the Blue Cascades IV Action Plan
• Blue Cascades V (2008)- Supply chain resilience
  • Read the Blue Cascades V Executive Summary
  • Read the Blue Cascades V Action Plan
• Blue Cascades VI (2010)- Public health and safety impacts of major flooding
  • Read the Blue Cascades VI Executive Summary
  • Read the Blue Cascades VI Action Plan
• Blue Cascades VII (2018)- Recovery from a major subduction zone earthquake
  • Read the Blue Cascades VII After Action Report