Protecting the functionality of airports during disaster responses—Natural disasters, accidents, and pandemics

James Fielding Smith, PhD, PE, Captain USNR (Ret.), MASCE; Sandra Sue Waggoner, BA, EMT-P, EMSI; Arthur Rabjohn, DipEP; Avi Bachar, BGen (Ret.)

doi:10.5055/jem.2007.0030

Authors

James Fielding Smith, PhD, PE, Captain USNR (Ret.), MASCE
Sandra Sue Waggoner, BA, EMT-P, EMSI
Arthur Rabjohn, DipEP
Avi Bachar, BGen (Ret.)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2007.0030

Keywords:

airports, COB, COOP, disaster, response, functionality, protection

Abstract

Airports are important assets during disaster response. Traditional roles as command posts, shelters, temporary hospitals, and alternative communication hubs were filled by airports after Hurricane Katrina and for 9/11 flight diversions. The basic thesis of this article is that airports need special measures to preserve functionality (continuity of business) during response and recovery. The second thesis is that sound emergency management measures should be built into airports as a type of mitigation. This article applies qualitative analysis to historical case studies, plans, documents, and scenarios for use of airports during disasters. It focuses on policy, procedural, organizational, and operational measures to protect the functionality during responses.

Author Biographies

James Fielding Smith, PhD, PE, Captain USNR (Ret.), MASCE

Homeland and National Defense, Public Safety, American Public University System; and JSW Associates, Floyd, Virginia.

Sandra Sue Waggoner, BA, EMT-P, EMSI

Managing Partner, JSW Associates, Huron, Ohio.

Arthur Rabjohn, DipEP

Emergency Management, Steelhenge Consulting, Lower Woodford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

Avi Bachar, BGen (Ret.)

ISRATEAM 98 Ltd., Israel Defense Force (Ret.), Hertzliyya, Israel.

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