"Disaster drill at O'Hare Airport"

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Disaster drill at O'Hare AirportCommunication, coordination efforts tested
WLS-TV Ch 7 (ABC), Chicago (IL)


Crews tested their emergency preparedness during a disaster drill at O'Hare
Airport Saturday. 

A jetliner exploded into flames during the mock disaster. Several local
agencies, including suburban and city crews, and some state crews responded
to the scene. In the drill, passengers were escorted from the plane and
those who pretended to be injured were treated.

Officials said a key goal was to test communication and co-ordination. 

"Making sure that we're keeping track of not only those resources that are
coming in from other suburban departments, but also making sure that we
still have resources here in the city that are available to respond to any
other incidents that may occur while you have this incident occurring here
at O'Hare," said Andrew Velasquez, Emergency Mgmt. and Communications. 

"Drills like this give us the opportunity to make sure that we are prepared
for any possible scenario," said Cortez Trotter, Chicago Chief Emergency
Officer. 

The Federal Aviation Administration requires such drills. 

Attached Photo:

O'Hare Drill

wls_052006_ohare.jpg