Photo: Contributed

Today is one of the most important days of the year at Kelowna International Airport.

But, according to Airport Director Sam Samaddar, passengers won't notice anything as they come and go.

"A tabletop exercise is really a group of people sitting around a boardroom table, simulating different scenarios and disasters to best determine how to respond and react," says Samaddar.

Transport Canada regulations stipulate that once a year every certified airport in the country must conduct a tabletop exercise. "We have everything from Nav Canada, the fire department, RCMP, emergency health services and airline representatives," says Samaddar.

Scenarios could include anything from a fire or crash to a health-related outbreak.

"These exercises get inputted one at a time, and the appropriate department is expected to follow protocols and implement procedures like they would in the event of a real disaster."

Those responses and action are monitored, and at the end of the exercise feedback is provided.

"Whether it's an exercise or the real thing, receiving and acting on solid information is the key to a successful response to an emergency," says Samaddar.

Passenger safety is the key.

"We want to make sure that everyone on the team is well prepared and that we have confidence in our various emergency plans. It's also about getting better and making sure our emergency plans are up to date."