Protecting the functionality of airports during disaster responses: Solutions

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

doi:10.5055/jem.2008.0030

Authors

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2008.0030

Keywords:

disaster, response, airport, terrorism, COB, COOP, protection, functionality

Abstract

Issues of protecting the functionality of airports involved in responses for nearby or distant disasters are examined for nonintentional incidents such as natural disasters, accidents, and pandemics and for humanitarian relief efforts during intentional incidents such as terrorism, war, civil war, and riots. Proposed solutions focus on promoting airport continuity of business and continuity of operations while optimizing airports as sustainable assets during all phases of the response. The most significant recommendations involve policy, organizational, operational, physical, and defensive measures based on sound incident management systems, interoperability, national and international standards for airport use during disaster response, and new national funding sources for incremental improvements to airport capabilities in these areas.

Author Biographies

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

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

Sandra Sue Waggoner, BA, EMT-P, EMSI

Managing Partner, JSW Associates, Huron, Ohio.

Arthur Rabjohn, CEM

R3 Manager - Europe, WorleyParsons, Brentford, Middlesex, London, England.

Avi Bachar, BGen (Ret.)

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

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