Become an Urban Shield Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of Urban Shield. In 2012, nearly 4,000 volunteers participated in Urban Shield in a variety of ways. We anticipate the need for more in 2013. Read more to see some of the positions and roles that are filled by volunteers.

Become a Technology Vendor urbanshield-technology

Urban Shield 2013 will allow companies to place their products and technology directly into the hands of SWAT, Fire, EOD and EMS professionals, which provides invaluable real-time feedback for vendor products. Contact us for more information about becoming a vendor.

FIRE / HAZMAT / USAR fire / hazmat rescue people from a building collaps

Fire based scenarios for 2013 will follow a different format than in past years. This year, portions of the hazardous materials and rescue scenarios will be devoted to the decision making skills and cooperation between teams and other responding stakeholders.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal bomb detail at the transamerica building san francisco

EOD teams (Bomb Squads) will be evaluated on their ability to properly enter established areas, assess scenes and implement standardized EOD protocols to render safe suspected device(s). During this process, EOD will be evaluated to determine their FEMA Team Typing status, capabilities, and equipment readiness.

SWAT & Tactical Response Teams Urban Shield SWAT image drug lab with sheriff arrest

Urban Shield is a unique and vast tactical training exercise which allows participating agencies practical opportunity to evaluate their tactical team's level of preparedness and ability to perform a variety of intricate first responder operations.

Goals & Objectives

Top Performers 2012

Supporting Agencies

Urban Shield Alameda County California October 25 thru 28, 2013

Urban Shield has grown into a comprehensive, full-scale regional preparedness exercise assessing the overall Bay Area UASI Region's response capabilities related to multi-discipline planning, policies, procedures, organization, equipment and training. Urban Shield continues to test regional integrated systems for prevention, protection, response and recovery in our high-threat, high-density urban area. The exercise evaluates our existing level of preparedness and capabilities, identifying not only what we do well, but areas in need of improvement. The previous years' After Action Reports are referenced and used to assist in prioritizing upcoming expenditures possible for the region so we may become more prepared for any type of critical event or incident in our area.

The overarching goals of Urban Shield include striving for the capability to present a multi-layered training exercise to enhance the skills and abilities of regional first responders, as well as those responsible for coordinating and managing large scale events. Urban Shield is implemented to identify and stretch regional resources to their limits, while expanding regional collaboration and building positive relationships. In addition, this exercise provides increased local business and critical infrastructure collaboration. Urban Shield challenges the skills, knowledge and abilities of all who participate. It not only improves regional disaster response capabilities, but provides a platform for national and international first responders, as well as the private sector, to work efficiently and effectively together when critical incidents occur.