MIA HOSTS SUCCESSFUL FULL-SCALE EMERGENCY DRILL
More than local 170 volunteers assist in major airport safety exercise
The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), in conjunction with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Aviation Division and other emergency response agencies, successfully carried out a full-scale aviation emergency exercise on February 15 at MIA with the help of more than 170 local volunteers. The drill fulfilled a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement to conduct a live, simulated emergency scenario on Miami International Airport’s airfield every three years, to test and evaluate the airport’s emergency plan and ability to respond to a major incident.
The drill scenario featured a fire erupting on an outbound flight when the aircraft was being fueled and jet fuel spilled onto the ramp. Participating volunteers from American Red Cross, Coral Reef Senior High School, Design and Architecture Senior High and John A. Ferguson Senior High took on the roles of injured passengers, flight attendants and cockpit crew.
The security and safety of our residents and visitors continues to be Miami-Dade County’s highest priority, as demonstrated by MIA’s successful emergency drill today. All of the agencies involved in the drill have once again proven that we have one of the best airport emergency response teams in the country.
Firefighters from MDFR and five other local fire departments evacuated victims from the aircraft, attended to injured passengers at the scene and transported some of them to local participating hospitals. The exercise also included MDAD activating its operations center and coordinating a unified emergency response with its local and federal security partners.
We participate in drills of this magnitude to ensure Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is prepared to mitigate any type of emergency at one of our airports. The safety of our residents and visitors continues to be our number one priority.
Today’s exercise was a valuable test for our first responders and emergency management personnel. We will use the lessons learned to ensure that we are fully prepared in the event of a real-life airfield emergency.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).