Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) for dams are often developed to satisfy regulatory requirements, yet many have never been exercised under realistic conditions. This paper explores practical ways for dam owners and operators to strengthen emergency preparedness by conducting meaningful exercises, engaging effectively with stakeholders, and applying lessons learned from minor incidents to improve readiness for larger scale events. Practical exercises play a critical role in confirming that roles and responsibilities are well understood, communication systems function as intended, and essential information can be accessed quickly during an emergency. The same can be said about minor incidents, such as those experienced during the 2021 BC lower mainland atmospheric river event.  Each exercise or small scale event provides an opportunity for structured debriefing, which helps bridge the gap between the written ERP and the real world execution of emergency actions. Key lessons from stakeholder engagement highlight the value of building strong relationships with responding agencies, using concise and actionable language that is easily understood, and involving key personnel early in the planning process to foster ownership and commitment to the plan. This paper also discusses the benefits of mass notification tools, alert systems, and other communication improvements that support timely warnings and a coordinated response.