Emergency personnel conduct a training exercise to prepare for large-scale incidents at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is set to host a large-scale emergency training exercise this Thursday, aiming to enhance safety protocols and emergency response preparedness. The exercise, known as CAE’s AirSafe, will occur from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., involving emergency vehicles and volunteers to simulate realistic scenarios. Despite the smoke and fire, commercial flights will be uninterrupted. This event is a critical practice for airport staff and emergency services, ensuring they are equipped to handle potential crises effectively.
Columbia, South Carolina – This week, the buzz at Columbia Metropolitan Airport is set to turn into a whirlwind of smoke, fire, and emergency vehicles. Before you start to worry, let’s clear the air: this is all part of a carefully planned emergency training exercise. Passengers flying in or out of the airport from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday may encounter some unusual sights, but rest assured, the exercise is not related to the wildfires currently affecting parts of South Carolina.
The training event, known as CAE’s AirSafe, is being staged to help prepare airport personnel and local emergency services for potential large-scale incidents. Organized tri-annually, every three years, this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to sharpen their response skills in a controlled environment. With approximately 50 volunteers stepping up to lend a hand, the exercise is set to highlight the importance of teamwork and preparedness in the face of emergencies.
Before you dismiss this as just another drill, it’s important to underline that during this exercise, no one is actually in any imminent danger. The airport officials are reassuring everyone that commercial flights will continue to operate without any disruption. So if you have travel plans, you can go on with your day without a second thought.
The staged emergency scenarios will unfold at specific areas of the airport campus, including the South Carolina Aeronautics hangar, the West Cargo apron, and along Metropolitan Drive off Enterprise Parkway. Notably, the main terminal will remain untouched during this exercise, so travelers won’t need to worry about navigating through any chaotic situations while they’re in the terminal.
As the exercise unfolds, all actions will comply with any directives from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Forestry Commission regarding burning bans. Despite the smoke and fire, this training is designed to ensure that safety measures are in place and are strictly followed.
For those who may be in the vicinity of the airport or even at the terminal during the exercise, it’s advised to expect some staged emergency situations. A little heads-up goes a long way, so keep that in mind! If you have any questions or concerns about the exercise, you can reach out to the airport’s public safety division for more information at 803-822-5025.
In terms of context, Columbia Metropolitan Airport has seen significant passenger traffic in recent times, with over 1.3 million individuals flying through its doors in 2024 alone. The airport serves daily flights to 11 major airports across 10 cities, making sure folks have seamless travel options. Regular training exercises like this one illustrate the airport’s commitment to safety, readiness, and emergency preparedness.
While wildfires continue to pose a challenge in areas like the Pee Dee region, Columbia Metropolitan Airport remains unfazed and dedicated to ensuring that safety protocols are tested and improved upon through collaborative efforts with local agencies. In doing so, the airport not only develops its own skills but also strengthens cooperative responses in emergencies.
So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or just passing by, remember that the exercise is all in the name of better preparation. With dedicated volunteers and airport staff honing their skills, Columbia is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of its services – all while keeping passengers informed and secure.
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