Hamilton International Airport is gearing up for a significant safety drill on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the airport will host a full-scale emergency exercise designed to test and refine its response capabilities in the event of a real crisis. This comprehensive drill will involve a wide range of key partners, including the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Fire Department, Hamilton Police Service, Hamilton Paramedic Service, Transit (HSR), Hamilton Health Sciences, WestJet, the Canada Border Services Agency, St. John Ambulance, Mohawk College, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Executive Aviation, and other agencies.
The exercise will focus on simulating various emergency scenarios, emphasizing crucial aspects like emergency response coordination, medical triage, incident command procedures, and efficient communication strategies. While residents may notice heightened activity at the airport during this period, there is no cause for alarm. The drill is meticulously planned to ensure minimal disruption to regular airport operations, and access to the exercise area will be restricted to authorized personnel only.
Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International, highlighted the paramount importance of safety and security for all airport stakeholders: “The Airport’s top priority is the safety and security of Hamilton International employees, passengers, tenants, partners, and other visitors at all times.” He further emphasized the value of these regular emergency exercises in ensuring the airport and its partners are well-prepared and effectively coordinated to respond swiftly and decisively in the event of an actual emergency.
This full-scale emergency exercise serves as a testament to Hamilton International Airport’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring a secure environment for all its users. The airport’s proactive approach to emergency preparedness is a crucial step in safeguarding the well-being of its employees, passengers, and the broader community.