Plan for Emergency Preparedness Week while Kingston Airport Simulates a Plane Crash

Published on: 2017/04/26 - in News

May 7 to 13 is National Emergency Preparedness Week and the City of Kingston is advising residents to be prepared in advance for any possible emergencies.

Go to CityofKingston.ca/GetReady to find checklists on how to make a plan – How will you get out? Where will you go? Who will you call? – creating a “Go bag” with items your family and pets might need, and supplies that would allow you to stay at home for 72 hours.

The City and its partners will be making some preparations themselves when they test an emergency plan with a mock airplane crash at Kingston Airport.

“The City, Kingston Airport and first responders need to have detailed plans to respond to emergencies of all sorts, such as a crash at the airport, a mid-town fire, an ice storm or a hazardous waste spill. You and your loved ones need to plan, too,” said Kingston & Rescue Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong.

On Thursday, May 4, props will be used to simulate a crashed and burning plane for a mock crash scenario that will also feature local students made up to appear as wounded people wandering around the airport.

“This live, real-time, full-scale scenario will help all participants test the emergency response plan and help us improve it, so that we are prepared in the event of an actual emergency and better able to help people and minimize impact,” said Kingston Airport manager, David Snow.

Kingston Airport, emergency first responders and partner agencies are using a jet simulator to test the airport’s emergency response plan. Transport Canada requires regular testing of the plan.

The last full-scale emergency exercise by the Kingston Airport took place in October, 2011.


PhotoDavid Megginson (cc)