SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — On Wednesday, May 19, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (Airport), local emergency responders and many community partners will conduct a full-scale airport emergency response exercise.
The purpose of the disaster exercise is to test and evaluate the preparedness and capabilities of the Airport and local response agencies.
Although the drill will be staged within the airport boundaries, members of the public may see smoke, numerous emergency vehicles and unusual airport activity during the drill. The exercise, including local volunteers and emergency responders will evaluate coordination between agencies, mass-casualty response, public information dissemination, victim and family care, security and communications.
“Federal Aviation Administration regulations require a full-scale exercise once every three years to test the airport’s emergency plan,” stated Courtney Johnson, Director of Airports. “This drill is an excellent opportunity for everyone to test and evaluate their skills. Our top priority will always be the health and safety of both our passengers and staff.”
The airport will continue its normal operations throughout the exercise, which is expected to last three hours. The participating organizations and agencies in the exercise include: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, Cal Fire, SkyWest Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Transportation Security Administration, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Air Traffic Control, San Luis Ambulance, American Red Cross, San Luis Obispo City Fire and the County Office of Emergency Services.
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San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) serves areas as far north as Southern Monterey County and as far south as Northern Santa Barbara County. The airport offers convenient access to and from the Central Coast. Residents and visitors have the choice of three commercial airlines with flights to several major U.S. hubs. The airport is also home to full-service general aviation and corporate facilities. For more information, or to book a flight, visit sloairport.com.
MEDIA NOTICE: This drill will occur in locked, secure areas of the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. Reporters or photographers seeking access to the drill must contact Tim O’Keeffe at 781-5205, by 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, to arrange for site access. Because of the nature and location of the drill, all media will be escorted during the event coverage to ensure their safety and the security of the facility.
