PSP to Conduct Full-Scale Emergency Exercise

PSP to Conduct Full-Scale Emergency Exercise on May 8

PALM SPRINGS — This is drill. This is only a drill. Palm Springs International Airport will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise on Wednesday, May 8 from 8:30 a.m. 12 p.m. This critical drill is required by the Federal Aviation Administration to test and improve the airport’s emergency response capabilities and interagency coordination.

The exercise will simulate an emergency scenario involving an aircraft incident to assess the airport’s readiness and operational response. This will include a visible deployment of emergency services, including fire, police, and medical response teams. The purpose of this drill is to enhance the airport’s preparedness for any potential real-life emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of all travelers and staff.

“This comprehensive exercise is a crucial opportunity to assess our city’s combined emergency
response capabilities, and it strengthens the collaboration between local agencies and our airport,”
said Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “Training together in this controlled environment
ensures we are always prepared for real emergencies with confidence.”

Community Notice
Please be advised that this is only a drill. There will be a significant presence of law enforcement and emergency responders on the airport property. We ask the public not to panic if they see activity and to avoid calling 911 for the drill.

The exercise will not impact flight operations, and the airport will function normally through the
exercise hours. We appreciate the cooperation of the public and media in helping us communicate
this event effectively and thank our community and partners for their continued support.

About the Exercise
Palm Springs International Airport is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and
emergency preparedness. While annual exercises are tabletop discussions, every third year the FAA
requires a live, realistic simulation to rigorously test our emergency response systems under real
world conditions. PSP is proactively going above and beyond FAA requirements to test our extensive
emergency plans in collaboration with partner agencies and internal city departments. This rigorous
exercise involves the active deployment of emergency services and detailed coordination among
multiple agencies, significantly enhancing our preparedness and operational capabilities to ensure
the safety and security of all airport users.

“The importance of drills like this one cannot be overstated,” said PSP Executive Director Harry
Barrett. “They critically evaluate and improve our preparedness for unforeseen events. Our goal is
to avoid emergencies, but it’s our top priority that we are ready to respond effectively and save lives
should one occur.”