Airport to test readiness

The Nassau Airport Development Company Ltd (NAD) will be conducting its biennial full scale airport emergency exercise on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008. As a result, the public is advised to expect some unusual activity in the vicinity of the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

This year’s exercise, dubbed Operation Rescue, will be a simulated aircraft crash at LPIA involving all local emergency response agencies. The “passengers” will consist of volunteers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force. A police presence will be in place at several junctions near the airport to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles. Citizens and visitors should expect to see fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and other official traffic engaged in this practice exercise. The public is advised not to be alarmed by the number of emergency vehicles in the vicinity of the airport and to cooperate with the police on the roadways around the airport perimeter while the exercise is conducted.

Vice President of Operations Lori Chambers said the opportunity for NAD and other agencies’ to test their emergency response procedures is vital to disaster preparedness. “This exercise will test our communication procedures and the coordination of all agencies’ actions.” Ms. Chambers further explained that conducting live simulated exercises is critical to ensuring that plans are robust and realistic; although the airport appreciates that there may be minor inconvenience to the public during the exercise.

The operation will commence at 09:30 am on Wednesday, 24 September and is anticipated to be completed around noon. Please note that normal airport operations will not be affected by this exercise and travelers should continue with their scheduled travel plans.