First responders prepare for disasters with simulation drill at PHL

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- First responders prepare for the worst with a simulation drill at Philadelphia International Airport.

The disaster drill is a test and not a real plane crash, but it's a necessary test that must be completed at the airport every 3 years.

And its training officials say they take it serious year round.

Chief Robert Corrigan of PHL Fire said, "If something were to happen, we're gonna be here to help you get through an event like this."

Chief Corrigan says their team is always on standby.

"We have four crash trucks that are on duty all the time. We have two structural fire fighting vehicles," he said.

It certainly brings peace of mind to know they train for situations like this at the airport. But officials say the likelihood of this actually happening is very slim.

"We don't deal with these incidents very often at all, which is why we have to train," Fire Chief Corrigan said.

Action News spoke with Keith Brune, who is Deputy Director of Aviation Operations and Security.

He wants to add if you're ever in an emergency situation, listen to the crew and their instructions.

"First thing is always listen to the flight crew before you take off. And if you're not severely injured and there is flames, leave everything behind and get off the plane and then when you're off get away from their airplane," Brune said.

Officials at the airport want to reiterate the fact that air travel is one of the safest forms of travel. But if you are in a situation like this, you listen to first responders, and you listen to the crew.

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