Last week, NFPA, IAFC and the National Governors Association held the Mass Evacuation Conference in Fairfax, Virginia. Attendees first heard opening remarks on the purpose of the Conference from David G. Henry, NGA, Ed Plaugher, IAFC, and David Nuss, NFPA. The keynote address followed and was given by new U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell, Jr.
NFPA's own Orlando Hernandez, along with IAFC's Shawn Stokes led a Mass Evacuation 36-degree view for the group. This was a scenario based activity and discussion where participants analyzed a mass evacuation scenario and provided insight from their perspectives on how they have responded (or would in the future).
Discussions on setting standards, current research and approaches as well as looking ahead to the future rounded out the Conference.
Orlando Hernandez commented following the Conference, that "based on the discussions and the positive feedback over the last two days, the attendees were in agreement that there is a need for a Mass Evacuation Project and the group should continue to develop a National Framework for Mass Evacuation." Stay tuned for updates!
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