"Airport system to aid disabled in evacuations"

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Airport system to aid disabled in evacuations 
By Beth Duckett
The Arizona Republic


PHOENIX - Sky Harbor International Airport has a new system that will make
it easier for the physically disabled to evacuate the airport during an
emergency. 

The system, which designates areas for those who need extra help in leaving
the terminals, is attracting attention of other U.S. airports, said Julie
Rodriguez, a Sky Harbor spokeswoman.

Previously, those with limited mobility had nowhere to turn if elevators
were not accessible during emergencies, Rodriguez said.

The new rescue areas are mostly located in the landings of stairwells. Each
area is equipped with an intercom system that links to the airport's
communications center. Rescue personnel know to check the areas during an
emergency and will assist with evacuations. 

The areas are marked with signs and wheelchair symbols and include an
airport map and instructions on what to do during emergencies. 

The areas are a requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for
facilities without sprinkler systems, said Norbert Senftleben, an architect
who helped design the areas. 

Terminal 2 lacks a sprinkler system, so installation began five years ago to
meet the requirement. 

Sky Harbor went "above and beyond" this year by constructing 13 rescue areas
in Terminal 4 even though that terminal has a sprinkler system, Senftleben
said. Rescue areas also are being added in Terminal 3. 

"We decided it was a very important thing to provide the areas for these two
terminals, even though they have fire sprinklers," Senftleben said.

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