2025 California Emergency Repatriation Drill (Actor Registration)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of California are grateful for your time and assistance. On March 6, 2025 you'll be helping the nation prepare for a situation where American citizens abroad are assisted in quickly and safely returning to the United States because of an emergency, war, or other crisis abroad.

You will begin and end your day at Ontario Convention Center and will be transported to the Ontario International Airport and back for part of the exercise. This rehearsal requires approximately 200 volunteer "actors" to role-play American citizens returning to the U.S. from abroad in need of assistance. Please encourage your family, friends, students and colleagues to participate as well. It'll be fun, easy, and you'll make a difference!

Volunteer "actors" are being recruited from a cross section of demographics: Parents with children, senior citizens, students, individuals with disabilities, access, and/or other functional needs, multi-lingual speakers. Participation is appropriate for nearly everyone!

During a morning briefing the day of the exercise, you'll be instructed on how to participate in the exercise, and will be provided scripts telling you who you'll be role playing as well as being provided answers to all the questions you may be asked. The exercise goal is to test the ability of Federal, State and local government agencies and partners to meet the various needs of returning Americans as they are assisted through U.S. Customs and provided access to services ranging from financial to mental health counseling.

All actors (or parents/guardians of participating minor children) will be asked to read and agree to a liability waiver as part of the registration process.

Arrival Time is 8:00-8:15 a.m. - LUNCH AND FREE PARKING WILL BE PROVIDED - End by 4:00 p.m.

Optional: During the exercise, you may go through the repatriation process multiple times with a different script (identity) each time. Bring a few clothing accessories (e.g., hat, glasses, light jacket, hair clips/ties) to change your look in between roles to make it more realistic. Please also bring a small, empty "carry-on" sized piece of luggage to test how the operation manages personal effects. If you have a Passport, please bring it along to enhance the realism of going through U.S. Customs.

Additional exercise details, maps, instructions, etc. will be provided via email after you reigster and as the exercise date approaches.

What is Emergency Repatriation?

Emergency Repatriation occurs when there is an immediate evacuation of U.S. Citizens and their dependents from a foreign country back to the United States because of war, natural disaster, health threat, etc. in the foreign country. Ontario International Airport has been designated as an Emergency Repatriation Airport and this exercise is designed to assure that the Airport and supporting agencies are prepared to receive U.S. Citizens.

Are there ID or Minimum age requirements to participate as an Actor?

Registration/Volunteer Check-In will take place the morning of the exercise. Only those pre-registered through this website will be admitted. There is no age limit for participation. Minors are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Each member of a participating "family" should be registered individually, but may utilize the same email contact information.

Transportation/Parking

Actors must provide their own transportation to Ontario Convention Center. Free parking will provided at the Convention Center upon arrival. Transportation will be provided between the Convention Center and Ontario International Airport and back (shuttles/buses).

What can I bring to the Exercise?

Bring all items necessary for your comfort such as glasses, medications, and comfortable clothing. You will need to keep your items on you at all times, so we discourage large bags or bulky items. However, you may bring a small, empty "carry-on" suitcase to help test how the operation manages your personal effects. The dress code for volunteers is casual, but please wear closed toe shoes and please do not wear any clothing such as T-shirts with inappropriate language or images. There will be times when you are outdoors and the Convention Center may be cold so please plan accordingly.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost to volunteer actors.

Actors are prohibited from bringing weapons, hazardous materials, or other dangerous items to the exercise venue. Service animals accompanying participants with real-world access and functional needs are permitted.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For questions regarding volunteering as an actor, contact: [email protected]

Host or Publisher CPARS Consulting, Inc.