When a hurricane hits, one of the first priorities is to get the local airport back up and running.
That’s why the Southeast chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives created SEADOG: the Southeast Airports Disaster Operations Group.
Besides sending personnel to help hard-hit airports get back into operation, the organization also has teamed with the Florida Airports Council to assemble a 20-foot trailer packed with communications equipment that can be used as a self-sustaining communications center in the event of a disaster.
Recently, Belfort Instrument Co. donated a DigiWx automated weather system for the trailer. SEADOG officials mounted the automated weather station atop the roof of the trailer to provide wind speed, wind direction, wind gusts, temperature, relative humidity, FAA certified altimeter setting, density altitude and estimated cloud height so that rescue workers can monitor the emergency situation environment. The trailer also is equipped with self-sustaining telephone, email, and Internet service independent of local infrastructure. Inside the trailer are several computer workstations and a VHF radio capable of communicating with aircraft and emergency support personnel.
“Donating the DigiWx is our small way of giving back to the community,” said Debra Alascio, Belfort’s COO. ” If we can help save one life during a disaster, it will be more than worth it.”
For more information: BelfortInstrument.com, DigiWx.com or SECAAAE.org/SEADOG