Posted On: March 19, 2019
The Daytona Beach International Airport will test its disaster response readiness during a full-scale emergency response exercise from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. This exercise is part of a triennial requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration that tests the airport’s emergency response capability.
Citizens and businesses who live or work near the airport or speedway may hear emergency vehicle sirens and see smoke the day of the exercise. They also may see law enforcement and fire rescue activity in the area. Digital road signs with an “Emergency Drill in Progress” message will be placed at:
- Bellevue Extension and Williamson Boulevard
- Daytona International Speedway Gate 40 Entrance
- Williamson Boulevard and International Speedway Boulevard
- Midway Boulevard and International Speedway Boulevard
- Midway Boulevard and Richard Petty Boulevard
The exercise will bring together multiple first responders to include federal, state and local law enforcement, fire agencies, local hospitals and Volusia County EMS ambulance. There will be more than 225 participants and over 25 federal, state and local agencies supporting the drill. Over 90 volunteers from the University of Central Florida Nursing Program will serve as victims for the exercise.
An aircraft fuselage will be pre-staged in the Daytona International Speedway infield.
The morning of the exercise, emergency responders will begin staging at 7 a.m. at the Daytona International Speedway.
The Daytona Beach International Airport will be open for business as usual during the exercise with no air traffic interruption.
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Media Opportunity: A media staging area has been identified on the grass east of the exercise area at Daytona International Speedway for media who wish to attend the drill. Media should enter the Speedway via Gate 40, off of Williamson Boulevard, and be staged by 8 a.m. To confirm attendance, email Kate Sark at ksark@volusia.org. Media that are not pre-identified and staged by 8 a.m. may not have access to the exercise.