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Emergency Preparedness Exercise
at Philadelphia International Airport
Simulated Aircraft
Incident Tests Emergency Procedures
Philadelphia - An emergency preparedness
exercise consisting of a coordinated response among local, state and federal
agencies as well as emergency medical units from the region will take place on
Saturday, October 1, at 10:00 AM, at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Designated as EPEX 2005, the exercise will be staged at the Airport Fire
Fighting Training Facility on Hog Island Road.
EPEX is the Airport's
official emergency drill that satisfies the Federal Aviation Administration
requirement that all certified airports must conduct a full-scale emergency
exercise at a minimum once every three years. The drill typically involves a
simulated aircraft accident and tests the response procedures and equipment of
fire-rescue units and other emergency personnel that would respond to an actual
incident.
The EPEX 2005 accident scenario involves an explosion
onboard a Boeing 737 aircraft as it lands on Runway 9R. The aircraft is
engulfed in flames as it skids off the south side of the runway. The incident
activates response by emergency units from the Airport and surrounding area.
The scenario will involve a mock-up aircraft that can be engulfed in a
controlled fire.
"The realistic simulation of a major aircraft
accident is an excellent and practical way to assess the Airport's response to
an actual incident," said Mayor John F. Street. "This comprehensive exercise
demonstrates that the City is prepared to respond effectively to a major
aircraft incident at one of the nation's busiest airports."
"Official
observers" from city, state and federal agencies along with invited guests will
have the opportunity to view the drill. A group of "official evaluators"
consisting of aviation professionals will walk through the incident site to
assess the procedures of responding emergency units.
"The drill itself
and the corresponding assessments from aviation professionals enable the
Airport to determine the effectiveness of its emergency response procedures and
implement changes or enhancements if necessary," said Charles J. Isdell, the
City's Director of Aviation.
For information contact:
Mark
Pesce
(215) 937-6944
The Philadelphia Airport System is owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia and is composed of Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The Airport System is a self-sustaining entity that operates without the use of local tax dollars. It is one of the largest economic engines in Pennsylvania, generating an estimated $14 billion in spending to the regional economy and employing a workforce of nearly 34,000.
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