Palm Springs International Airport to conduct drill

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) staff and personnel are scheduled to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise today.

”This comprehensive exercise is a crucial opportunity to assess our city’s combined emergency response capabilities, and it strengthens the collaboration between local agencies and our airport,” said Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein in a statement. ”Training together in this controlled environment ensures we are always prepared for real emergencies with confidence.”

PSP’s safety drills occur every three years, as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Although specific details of the 3.5hour drill will not be revealed until it begins at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, the simulated scenario will involve a crashed aircraft.

”This drill is designed to be comprehensive and inclusive, going above what is required by the FAA to engage all facets of the airport’s operation,” PSP spokesman Jake Ingrassia told City News Service.

The exercise will not affect regular flight schedules and airport functions.

Although personnel will be dedicated to making sure the Palm Springs International Airport can operate as usual, the safety event will still involve participants who would be working in a real emergency, according to Ingrassia. This includes operations staff, administration, first responders, law enforcement, airlines, tenants, and other city staff.

”This wide-ranging participation helps to strengthen interagency coordination and improve the overall emergency response capabilities of the airport,” Ingrassia said.