Prepping for disaster: What to know about Wednesday's Jacksonville airport exercise
No one likes to think about it, but disasters can happen anywhere and anytime. That's why about 25 agencies will be in action Wednesday for a full-scale disaster exercise at Jacksonville International Airport.
It was only 10 years ago that a man caused a mass evacuation and flight cancellations at the airport saying he had a bomb. Zeljko Causevic, now 49, was taken into custody with a backpack containing a luggage scale with batteries and a microchip and cellphone.
In 2014 he was acquitted of a federal charge of conveying false or misleading information by reason of insanity and ordered to commitment for psychiatric evaluation. Court records show he was granted conditional release a year later that included a set of 18 requirements to follow.
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It's not the same type of scenario the Jacksonville Aviation Authority is conducting Wednesday but involves similar communication and execution by multiple agencies for a simulated aircraft disaster.
What time is the JAX exercise?
It will take place 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at and around the Jacksonville International Airport, 2400 Yankee Clipper Drive.
Will JAX be shut down?
The airport will remain open during the exercise and flights will not be impacted, according to the Aviation Authority. However, one of the runways will be closed and there will be some temporary road closures put into effect.
What roads will be closed for the Jacksonville International Airport training?
Pecan Park Road at Terrell Road and at Dixie Clipper Drive will be closed from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., and Woodwings Road will be closed from 9-10:30 a.m. Local traffic and airport employees will be allowed to pass through.
Will any JAX airport parking lots be affected?
No parking lots should be affected, according to an Aviation Authority spokesman.
How will JAX travelers or people arriving to pick up passengers know what's going on?
The airport will be utilizing digital sign boards and making PA announcements for passengers in the terminal informing them it’s just an exercise. The Aviation Authority will also post the messaging on road signs into the terminal for meeters and greeters as well as passengers, a spokesman said.
Who will be involved in the JAX exercise?
Over 25 different agencies from Northeast Florida will respond as in a real emergency, including with firefighting and rescue equipment, emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies. About 80 volunteer role players and an aircraft simulator will also be incorporated.
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Does the FAA require disaster training?
Airports are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct this exercise once every three years. It provides the hands-on training necessary for airport personnel and local emergency organizations to practice and prepare for a mutual aid response in the event of a major aircraft disaster at JAX, officials said.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville International Airport to conduct disaster excercise
