Local CERT Exercises

 JaxCERT Participates in First Airport Passenger Terminal Live Evacuation Exercise  

On November 5, 2008 members of JaxCERT ( Jacksonville , FL ) participated as simulated victims in a first ever live passenger evacuation exercise in an active airport.  The recent construction of a new passenger concourse permitted Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) in conjunction with Jacksonville International Airport  (JIA) Fire Department, JIA Security Department, American Red Cross and U.S. Airways to utilize the old concourse as a location for the exercise. The drill began with a simulated aircraft catching fire during a refueling evolution alongside the concourse. Airport personnel conducted the emergency evacuation of the aircraft and passengers in the terminal area.

 The exercise then shifted to a ticket counter where “family and friends” of the victims were attended to by U.S. Airways personnel, Red Cross volunteers and JIA staff.  The realism of the situation exhibited by “family and friends” tested the terminal personnel and provided an excellent training exercise.

 JFRD personnel videotaped the evolution with the intent of originating a training video to be utilized by airports and airlines in employee training and awareness. This is another example of the community contributions to safety awareness by JaxCERT. For more information, go to www.jaxcert.info