Emergency Drill At Temple's Airport Tests Response Readiness

Central Texas residents should expect a heavy presence of public safety personnel around the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport next Wednesday morning.

Temple Preparing for Full-Scale Emergency Drill at Draughon-Miller Airport on Nov. 4

The City of Temple will conduct a comprehensive emergency readiness exercise Wednesday, November 4, beginning around 9:00 a.m. The event will last about two hours, bringing together a wide array of local first responders and healthcare organizations.

Simulating Critical Incidents and Unified Command

The training scenario is designed to test multi-agency responses to a simulated aircraft accident. Several organizations including airport administration, Temple Fire & Rescue's Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) division, local law enforcement, and emergency medical services will take part.

Emergency Response Works Best When Everyone Works Together

In a press release, Emergency Management Division Director Jennifer Henager said, "Exercises like this give our emergency responders and community partners the opportunity to work together in a realistic environment and make sure we’re prepared when every second counts. By practicing how we communicate, coordinate resources and care for patients during a large-scale emergency, we can identify what works well and where we can improve before we’re faced with the real thing. Ultimately, this exercise is about making sure Temple is as prepared as possible to protect our community."

Key Focus Areas

Key focus areas for the exercise involve patient triage, field decontamination protocols, and resource allocation. The simulation will also extend beyond the tarmac to regional hospitals, where volunteers posing as patients will test medical decontamination procedures and generate mock 911 calls. Officials emphasized that no actual patients will be transported during the drill.

Temple Residents Need Not Be Alarmed

Because of the high volume of flashing lights and emergency equipment expected in the area, city officials issued an advisory to ensure the public remains aware that no actual threat exists. Drivers and neighbors near the airport are urged not to be alarmed by the heightened activity. Anyone seeking non-emergency assistance can reach local authorities at 254-298-5500, while genuine emergencies should still be directed to 911.