RIC to Conduct Full-Scale Emergency Response Exercise this Weekend
Apr 1, 2016
RICHMOND, Virginia (April 1, 2016)
TEST OF AIRPORT EMERGENCY PLAN (AEP), MANDATED BY FAA, SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 2ND, 9:00 AM UNTIL CONCLUSION OF RESPONSE SCENARIOS
Emergency Exercise Facts
- As mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airports are to conduct full-scale tests of their Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) every three years. Such drills not only test the AEP, but also create a realtime practice environment for multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional response coordination that would be necessary in the event of an actual incident.
- Emergency response measures build upon the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which provides a consistent and scalable template for managing incidents.
- Between triennial full-scale drills, airports conduct other simulations and training exercises, such as tabletop work sessions with the participation of supporting organizations.
- Accordingly, Richmond International Airport (RIC) will conduct a full-scale emergency response exercise this Saturday, April 2nd.
- Participants may include: RIC Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), RIC Police (RICPD) and other airport staff and management representatives, airline representatives, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Henrico Division of Fire, Henrico Division of Police, Chesterfield Fire & EMS Department, Richmond Fire & EMS Department, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the American Red Cross, FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (ATC/FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Health (including Medical Examiner’s office), Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Richmond.
Impact during the Drill Period
- The airport anticipates no impact to normal operations during the emergency response exercise.
- Multiple scenarios will test emergency response and coordination during the event.
- RIC will post signs in the terminal building and broadcast announcements over the public address system in the terminal building to advise airport customers that an emergency response simulation is in progress.
- Use of movement areas at RIC (runways and taxiways) will not be affected by the exercise.
Supporting Resources
About Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is one of the most modern, well-equipped airports in the eastern United States, offering nonstop flights to major domestic destinations and connecting service to points around the globe. More than 3.5 million passengers travel through RIC annually. For more information, please visit www.flyrichmond.com.
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Contact Information:
Troy M. Bell, C.M.
Director – Marketing & Air Service Development/Public Information Officer
Richmond International Airport
(804) 226-3022 or tbell@flyrichmond.com