In the event of a hurricane, there are procedures in place designed to ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of people who wish to leave the Island by air.

Procedures for evacuation will be determined by the National Hurricane Management Council, comprised of representatives from the tourism and aviation industries, the Governor’s Office and state consulates, as well as emergency response coordinators.

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority also has a mass evacuation plan, which it will implement in readiness for any national directive.

This may also come into operation in the event that residents choose to evacuate prior to a national directive being issued, explained Caren Thompson-Palacio, business development manager of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority.

Mass evacuation

The authority’s mass evacuation plan requires activation of the Mass Evacuation Operations Committee 72 hours before the approach of any major weather systems.

She explained that although the airport’s parking lots will accommodate cars up to capacity, once they are full, people will be directed to additional, off-site parking lots. Once all car parks are filled, people will be requested to make arrangements to be dropped off at the airport, at which point vehicular control will be assigned to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, said Thompson-Palacio.

People leaving vehicles by the roadside run the risk of losing their vehicles as they are towed away by the CIAA at the owners’ expense. If the vehicles are not claimed for a long period, the airport authority will eventually take ownership.

The authority strongly advises passengers to check with their airlines prior to going to the airport in order to alleviate congestion and maintain a smooth flow of passengers through the facility.

Huge volumes

The mass evacuation plan makes allowances for huge volumes of passengers at the airport, said Mrs. Thompson-Palacio.

“Arrangements include extra staffing, erection of tents, food and beverage stands as well as portable toilets in the parking lots to accommodate vast numbers of persons in order to prevent overcrowding of the terminal.
“Airlines will also implement pre-check-in processes so as to limit the numbers of passengers in the terminal at any one time,” she said.

These pre-checks, which could be done online, are designed to alleviate potential chaos as thousands of people may opt to leave the Island, said Mrs. Thompson-Palacio.

“Only persons whose flights are imminent will be allowed into the terminals/departure hall, to prevent overcrowding. In most cases, these passengers will have already undergone preliminary check-in. This will incorporate a ‘feeder’ process, as flights are successively dispatched,” she explained.

It is also advisable for families with children to take food and drink to the airport as there may be lengthy waiting periods. However, it should be borne in mind that liquids will not be allowed through security, with the exception of liquid baby food or sterilised water sufficient for the journey. The accompanying adult will be required to verify by tasting.

In addition, prescription medication will be allowed if accompanying passengers or in checked baggage.
Additional details are available at www.caymanairports.com under Passenger Information; click on Security.
Baggage

As usual, checked and carry-on baggage will remain subject to normal airlines restrictions on size, weight and banned substances.

The airport will close down when it is deemed by airport management that weather conditions could impact the safety of flight operations.

Island Air will coordinate private flights for passengers at the General Aviation Terminal. It should be noted that passengers will also have to clear outgoing Immigration at this location, added Mrs. Thompson-Palacio.

All-clear

When the all-clear is declared by the Cayman Islands Government, the airport’s facilities and equipment will be assessed. Once a determination is made that the airport can resume normal operations, flights will be allowed.

Individual carriers may put on extra flights during the evacuation and return period depending on demand.

However, it is essential that passengers check with their respective airlines to determine flight activity before coming to the airport, said Mrs. Thompson-Palacio.

“Hurricane evacuations can be extremely stressful and the airports can become crowded. Passengers are urged to make preparations for lengthy wait periods.

“They should also ensure that they have a confirmed reservation with their airline to prevent not being able to travel. They also try to arrange to be dropped off at the terminal as parking is limited. Following these guidelines will make for a smoother evacuation experience,” she added.