After thinking about it for 10 Years September 21, 2015 Roy A. Williams Executive Director Augusta Regional Airport Former Director of Aviation New Orleans Aviation Board - Operator of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Louis Armstrong International Airport Role in Katrina MSY took hits but could still function both after the Hurricane, and more importantly after the water started to rise MSY provided shelter in place during hurricane for airport employees, family and community. After passing of hurricane turned into safe, accessible facility to stage rescue teams, house medical assistance and evacuees, and base evacuations. Some of these functions had NO aviation component. At peak daily operations were 3,800. More than 30,000 people evacuated. Hosted military and civilian camp between concourses and in multiple locations on airport which were still in place when regular air service resumed. Many staff lost their homes and many lived at the airport for weeks
Planning for Disaster Think Outside of the Emergency Plan Every Project can offer opportunities to better protect airport in emergencies Utility redundancy Physical enhancements Levy Equipment purchases Structural fire truck can have ARFF usability
What you think is important may not be what is most important Tendency to think of regulatory requirements. Then electricity, generators, airfield lighting, snow removal. But really need to consider other necessities: Think WATER To Drink To Flush Toilets Think FOOD For stranded staff and passengers For shelter seekers
Seek out Assets before the Crisis Water We were lucky to find and activate a well onsite when municipal water failed. Do you have alternative water resources or can they be developed? (Hint - toilets can be flushed with fire hoses.) Food Your best source of food is that within the terminal your normal vendors. Enter into an agreement that in crisis situations their food is YOUR food. We were lucky in Katrina and the vendors worked with us but try and work this out before a crisis. Air Service If you are in an area that is prone to natural disaster work with your airlines on how they will serve the airport in an emergency. During Katrina special sections not only came for stranded passengers and other evacuees but also arrived loaded with food and other necessary supplies. Having the details worked out before hand will improve responsiveness.
Don t Assume That All Staff Should Muster At Airport in a Projected Crisis Intentionally left key staff off-airport, remote from crisis area. Turned out to be a very important decision. We had limited communication ability, virtually no understanding of real conditions outside of the airport. Off-airport staff provided life line between airport and FAA, TSA, state, etc.
Coordinate - you can't have too many meetings, particularly in the first few days of a multi-day event Non-aviation entities may be involved. When serving in non-aviation roles it is really critical to coordinate with all the involved parties. Much of what is happening will be outside your normal operations Even for airport functions don t assume business as usual even usual per your emergency plans. Meet, talk, decide what is best.
Watch Out For Fatigue in Your Staff and Other Responders During crisis you expect, and usually receive, above and beyond service from staff But watch for signs of fatigue and severe stress In Katrina not only were most staff dealing with the losses at the airport but with the loss of life and, as time wore on, the loss of their homes Offer breaks when you can away from the airport if possible
Prepare for pressure to return the airport to normal operations even while the crisis continues Air carriers, GA, governmental agencies (especially those that aren t local) will push to return to normal You will be the one in the middle between your normal users and customers and your special crisis role users Status updates to your normal users about what is going on at the airport will help them to understand the balancing
Don't forget resources such as SEADOG, WESTDOG, AAAE, and NASAO Many have thought through, and even lived through, airports in crisis mode rely on them for insight and planning help.
Thanks to the many people who helped Louis Armstrong survive and serve after Katrina!