
CIFAL Miami - Emergency Preparedness and Management Workshop
Airports and ports are critical nodes in national and regional infrastructure, serving as vital lifelines for transportation, commerce, and emergency response. In recent years, growing threats from natural disasters, public health crises, and security challenges have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive emergency preparedness strategies across these facilities. Despite existing plans, gaps remain in areas such as inclusive planning for CGN.2022.001/QA FORM persons with disabilities, community engagement, and operational continuity during prolonged crises. Recognizing these needs, CIFAL Miami, in partnership with Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA), FIU’s Academy for International Disaster Preparedness, and key stakeholders is hosting this Emergency Preparedness and Management Workshop. The initiative is designed to serve as a collaborative platform for airports and related agencies across the Southeast United States and the Caribbean. It will provide targeted, practical training to enhance resilience, promote best practices, and foster cross-sector coordination in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The workshop aims to strengthen emergency planning, coordination, and response capabilities of airports across the Caribbean and the Southeast United States. It seeks to promote collaboration among industry experts, government agencies, and community stakeholders to build resilience, enhance preparedness, and ensure continuity of operations during crises and disasters.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Identify key components of effective airport emergency response planning.
2. Apply inclusive strategies to address the needs of people with disabilities, seniors, and vulnerable populations during emergencies.
3. Analyze real-world emergency incidents and identify lessons learned for improved response.
4. Design stakeholder engagement strategies for enhanced community coordination.
5. Formulate approaches for continuity of operations and critical resource acquisition during disasters.
The workshop is structured around core thematic areas, combining expert-led sessions with interactive group activities.
Topics include:
• Emergency planning from an airport and port perspective
• Case study analysis and incident report reviews in group settings
• Community engagement strategies: challenges and opportunities
• FAA and ICAO planning updates and regulatory recommendations
• Resource acquisition and stakeholder coordination • Inclusive planning for passengers and the public with disabilities
• Training of essential personnel and community responders
• Strategies for ensuring continuity of operations Additionally, to the workshop sessions, the event includes the following add ons::
• Optional Cybersecurity Seminar • Networking Reception and Special Tour of the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU CGN.2022.001/QA FORM
• Optional Exclusive Guided Tour of Miami International Airport The workshop is designed to foster peer learning, practical application, and cross-sector collaboration.
The event will use a blended methodology to ensure engagement and practical learning, including:
• Expert panel presentations • Facilitated discussions • Hands-on tabletop exercises • Working group activities • Knowledge-sharing and peer learning forums
Airport personnel (operations, safety, emergency managers) • Government agencies (FAA, TSA, emergency services) • Port authorities and critical infrastructure managers • Local and regional emergency management officials • Community organizations and disability advocacy groups • Academic and training institutions involved in disaster preparedness